When sewing a straight stitch too much thread ends up on the bottom of the fabric being stitched.

Be sure stitch is in between the two fabrics when straight stitch. Adjust tension until stitch is between top and bottom fabric. Use different color top thread to make it easier to see. Once tension is correct sewing straight, switch to zigzag.

Remove hook race and bobbin. Clean area with vacuum.
Replace needle.
Try different thread and fabric.

You can always gather on a sewing machine, no matter its age or model.

Usually, I like to set the upper tension looser so the upper thread shows on the bottom of the fabric. Set the straight stitch length to very long. Stitch two lines of stitching about 1/4" apart on the fabric.

how to gather fabric

How to Gather basic sewing tutorial

How to Gather Fabric Sewing Machine

..

Is your bobbin threaded correctly? You should be able to pull out the thread slowly while feeling it very slightly holding back. It should not pull out easily or quickly.
Could be something wrong with your tensions, try adjusting the upper tension first by starting at the middle setting and working gradually higher and then lower till you get a neat even stitch.

If the bobbin thread is pulling through to the top of your fabric, your needle thread tension is too tight. Loosen the top tension until the needle and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

According to the manual, you should not need to adjust the bobbin tension (and I located other sites which stated the bobbin tension cannot be adjusted on this machine). Apparently, all the tension adjustment is accomplished through the upper thread::
"EN Thread Tension Upper thread tension Basic thread tension setting: "4". (1) To increase the tension, turn the dial to the next number up. To reduce the tension, turn the dial to the next number down. A. Normal thread tension for straight stitch sewing. B. Thread tension too loose for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to higher number. C. Thread tension too tight for straight stitch sewing. Turn dial to lower number. D. Normal thread tension for zig zag and decorative sewing. Correct thread tension is when a small amount of the upper thread appears on the bottom side of fabric. Lower thread tension The bobbin tension has been set correctly at the factory, so you do not need to adjust it. Please note: - Proper tension setting is important for strong seams. - There is no single tension setting appropriate for all stitch functions, thread or fabric. - A balanced tension (identical stitches both top and bottom) is usually only desirable for straight stitch construction sewing. - 90% of all sewing will be between "3" and "5". - For zig zag and decorative sewing stitch functions, thread tension should generally be less than for straight stitch sewing. - For all decorative sewing you will always obtain a nicer stitch and less fabric puckering when the upper thread appears on the bottom side of your fabric. 1 A B C 22 D"

Doing further research, I found this statement on a machine review site:
"After reading reviews online from where I've bought my drop-in bobbin machines, I think many of the negative reviews are due to the bobbin thread coming up without laying across the bobbin. It can cause the stitches to look very sloppy and no amount of tension adjusting can fix the stitches."

There are several machine review sites wherein 4423 owners stated their disappointment in the 4423's performance. Some said the machine failed almost immediately and others said the machines developed problems when sewing heavy fabric.

lower your needle. If up to high can't catch the bobbin thread.

Hello

Adjust the tension

Load your sewing machine with one color on top, threaded through the needle. Load the second color thread into the bobbin and thread.


Fold the scrap fabric in half, and sew a straight stitch at least 2 inches long. Look closely at the seam. If you see loops of the bottom color thread on top of the fabric, proceed to Step 3. If you see loops of the top color thread on the bottom of the fabric, proceed to step 4.


Loosen the top tension. Since the top tension is so tight, it is pulling the bottom thread up through the fabric. Loosen the top tension by turning the numbered knob on the front of the sewing machine counterclockwise by one number.


Tighten the top tension. Since the top tension is too loose, the bottom thread is pulling the top thread down through the fabric. Tighten the top tension by turning the numbered knob on the front of the sewing machine clockwise by one number.


Sew a straight stitch 3 inches in length. Check the stitching. It is perfect if the threads meet in the middle, and you can only see the top thread on top and the bottom thread on bottom. If it still needs adjusting, go back to step 2 to repeat the needed steps.


Using two different colored threads makes it easier for you to see which thread is being pulled.

Always use proper precautions when working with electrical machines.

You need to backstitch over the beginning and end of your stitching, Jodie. When you start out, manually turn the wheel to put the needle into the fabric. Push the foot pedal to stitch forward a little. Now, reverse over those stitches to nearly where you started stitching. Use the foot pedal to go forward again, stitch to where you want to end. Reverse again, just a 1/4 inch or so. Then take the fabric out and cut your stitching.

This backstitching keeps your thread from pulling straight out. You should always use it with straight stitches and general zigzag stitches. Don't use it with decorative or embroidery stitches, though, as it mars the appearance of them. But if you're doing any type of topstitching that uses straight stitches, backstitch in the area that will be in the seam allowance, ever so slightly, or your top stitching will pull out, too.

Hope that helps!

You would select a straight stitch and adjust stitch length to maximum length. And turn down the tension a little.

The Swiss Elnas had a basting plate that you used on a big wide zigzag and it would "miss" hooking the top and bottom threads together on one side so you ended up with a long straight stitch but with plenty of looseness to the seam.

But I've always found a needle and thread by hand is most effective, especially when attaching interlining to a silky fabric or velvet. Machine stitching would creep, but hand sewing would lie flat.

This is a very common problem with really lightweight fabric and can often be cured (if doing straight stitching) by using a straight stitch needle plate and foot. The wider needle plate and foot openings on newer machines give the machine/thread a wider area to pull the fabric into the machine. By using a straight stitch plate/foot you remove the wide opening, eliminating the majority of the problem.

Also - try using a specially coated needle (Teflon or other non-stick finish). The thread feeds more smoothly through the needle and the needle more smoothly through the fabric, causing less drag into the needle plate opening.

Hope this helps. Don't hesitate to respond to this if you have further specific questions. We're always happy to help

Happy stitching,
Kim & Linnette
www.sewingexpressions.com