The tension is too loose on my Elna Quilter's Dream 2. It has a drop in bobbin. No matter where I set the tension, it is the same. I've rethreaded, changed the needle and cleaned the machine. Any suggestions???

try changing the needle
try rethreading the machine top & bobbin
make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly into the bobbin case
& that the bobbin is turned the correct way

try rethreading the machine top & bobbin
make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly into the bobbin case
change the needle--flat side to the back of the machine
clean under the needle plate & in the bobbin area for loose threads
& lint
make sure the bobbin is not damaged like warped or bent

You need to ensure that the thread is going from the thread spool at the back of the machine, through the eyelet, then around the silver tension disc on top of the machine, then to the bobbin when you are winding it. Also, pull the thread tail up through the hole in your bobbin to start and hold the tail so the thread starts to fill smoothly and doesn't loosen.

I've marked the disc in red on this image

Please read my Tip on bobbin winding; its really important to get a good wind and you can add more tension yourself by applying gentle pressure to your thread spool on the back pin as you wind off it.
Link is http://www.fixya.com/support/r10598580-winding_bobbin_correctly

The stopping when full is possibly because your bobbin is winding unevenly but I never run it until it stops itself anyway, and do the winding at 3/4 speed, not flat out. You want a really smoothly tensioned even wind onto the bobbin so your thread comes off the bobbin when stitching with even tension, not stretched, then loose.

Hope this helps you with your problem.

have you got the manual for this machine? You can download one from here: http://www.ps2netdrivers.net/manual/elna.2005/

It is a front loading bobbin and removabel bobbin case so I think the bobbin is a plastic "Class 15" - like this http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/bobbins-class-15-plastic-10-pack.aspx

Thread breaking could be caused several factors such as the thread actually being old and brittle, the needle or needle plate having burrs and catching the thread, incorrect threading, bobbin in bobbin case the wrong way, or top tension discs playing up/too tight or thread catching somewhere in the threading path.

I'd suggest that you trouble shoot this and refer to the manual for cleaning instructions. If you can access them clean between the tension discs (turn tension down to zero and "floss" between the by running the selvage edge of a piece of clean cotton scrap through the discs to remove any lint/dye buildup). Wind a fresh bobbin and rethread referring to the manual to ensure the bobbin is turning the right way. New needle and rethread top thread refering to threading diagram. Tension on 5 and test sew again.

If you are still having problems, then the machine may benefit from a service by your local Elna dealer, a good service and clean at least every 2 years is recommended.

Probably a little heavy duty for a domestic machine - most don't like thread through the bobbin tension device any heavier than 50 grade.

Some tension devices have a hole that you can use to bypass the tension spring (Elna is one) which allows thread like perle cotton to be used in the bobbin. But you still can't put it through the needle (just on the underside for decorative sewing effects) .

In the past I've needed to sew vinyl tractor seats where I was stitching the vinyl to a 1/4" thick foam and after trying everything (roller foot, leather needle) on the domestic machine, I bought a Singer 20U industrial machine with 1 1/2 hp motor in a table in order to seam this weight of textile. Different system needle used and the bobbin could handle heavier weight thread.

Probably not the response you wanted though.

I'd suggest that you rethread the top thread entirely, ensuring the thread is going through the tension discs correctly and that the tension dial is set to the medium setting, usually 4 or 5.

If you have your manual, also check the cleaning instructions and see if the manual gives instructions on how to clean the tension discs, some of the newer machines these are hidden away but earlier models, you just turned the dial to zero, then ran a piece of clean cotton scrap selvedge edge through between the discs to clean out.

Also, if the machine is not drawing the bobbin thread up to the needle plate during a stitch sequence, check that your needle is not in backwards. Must be flat shank to the back.

Finally, if you are getting thread birdnests in the bobbin area a lot, remove the needle plate and follow your manual instructions to remove the bobbin holder and clean under it. The bobbin holder looks like this and sits in a surround.

Check that this case hasn't been damaged by the needle, there may be little piercing or burring of the plastic. If so, give it a file smooth with a nail file, wipe it clean and try again. The rough edge could be catching the threads.

change the needle
clean under the needle plate where the feed dogs are for lint
also clean in bobbin area for lint & loose threads
rethread the machine make sure to get every thread guide
check the thread tension usually 3 or 4

is the flat side of the needle toward the back of the machine
rethread the machine-top & bobbin
check the top tension-usually 3 or 4
clean under the needle plate where the feed dogs are for lint
also clean the bobbin area for lint or loose threads

Hm, wondering if it could be the presser foot pressure setting. Most machines have this capability where the amount of pressure applied to the feed dogs can be increased or decreased. You might check your owner's manual,.

The bobbin tension sounds too loose. This will help if you have a bobbin case and not a drop in bobbin. Let me know if you have a drop in bobbin:
Setting bobbin case tension:
Put wound bobbin in bobbin case. Thread it in case. Hold the thread and carefully let go of the case only holding bobbin thread. The case should NOT move. Quickly let your hand drop 2-3 inches to let the bobbin case free fall for 2-3 inches, the bobbin case should move slightly then stop. It moves because it let’s a little thread off the bobbin. It should then stop .5"- 2" of thread should release. If so, your bobbin case tension is right. If it’s right then begin to look at your top thread tension. Always Always start with a properly adjusted bobbin case, then adjust your top tension accordingly.