How do I adjust the bobbin tension? The stitches it produces are loose/loopy. The thread pulls out of the fabric like a basting stitch.

indicates that the needle thread tension is not tight enough
make sure that there is thread in the bobbin

Not sure what you mean by "tacking" stitch. Are the stitches exceedingly long like a basting stitch? That would need a stitch length adjustment so stitches are closer together.

Or, do you mean the tension is loose between stitches? You can try tightening the top tension to see if that helps. (Be sure to ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the top thread so the thread will seat completely in the tension disk or you may end up with lots of top thread showing under the fabric.) If the bobbin thread is too loose, you may need to adjust its tension.

Understanding Thread Tension Threads

Here's a manual for your machine:

ELNA eXcellence 730 Instruction Manual

If your machine does not have a "basting" stitch selection, you make your own basting stitch by:

* Setting the stitch length to the maximum
* Loosen the upper tension so the bobbin thread lies flat under the fabric

Then to gather or remove the basting stitch, it is easy to pull on the bobbin thread.

First, check the stitching to verify that it is in fact the bobbin thread that is loose & loopy. Usually, loopy thread under the fabric is the upper thread--which, if that is the case, is an indication it is either threaded incorrectly or the upper tension is too loose.

Make sure you are using a brand-new needle.
Always RAISE the presser foot and then thread the upper thread making sure that every guide and the correct path is followed.

Set the upper tension to the midway point between high & low number and re-test the stitching. Re-adjust as needed. The tension is correct when both upper and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

Understanding Thread Tension Threads

If it is in fact the bobbin thread causing looping, it could be that the bobbin case is not threaded properly or the tension is way off.

Liz Kettle adjusting your bobbin case tension 1 wmv

..

try a new needle

try adjusting the top thread tension to see if that helps the bottom loopy stitch

Basting is simply using a long stitch that can be pulled out after you put the main stitch in. It holds fabric in the right place till it is sewn.

Is 4 the highest number? If so, the steps you took were really all that you can do. Just a thought, how about using invisible thread (almost like a thin fishing line) for your top thread and regular thread in your bobbin? It may be easier to remove the stitches with the lighter thread. Good luck

Your tension is way too loose on top or too tight on the bobbin. Try adjusting the top tension one number at a time until you get it right. (Only adjust the bobbin tension as a last resort). Also you could have different thickness of thread in the bobbin than on the top or are sewing a very heavy fabric. Try adjusting the tension with same thread in both bobbin and top and use a normal weight fabric until you find the right tension to get you back to a normal stitch before going to a heavier fabric or thread.

Drop the bobbin with the elastic in the holder without feeding it through the holder, and enlarge the stitch length,

If the top stitch is loose, then you need to tighten the bobbin tension: if the bottom stitch is loose, tighten the top tension. Hope this helps. It could also be the size needle and thread you are using for a particular fabric. Different fabrics require different notions.