I need help with a Singer 6110 sewing machine. I'm unable to set the tension to a proper level.?

Question

My sewing machine is a Singer 6110, and bought the it new in the 80's.

The tension was working properly last time i used it, about 4 months ago, but this time it's getting all knotted up by the time I sew the first few stitches. I have rethreadded the machine, as well as the bobbin repeatedly.

I don't want to take it in for service if this is something i can fix. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks so much.

Answer 1

And I'll bet the wad-o-thread is on the underside of the fabric,
which says either the top tension isn't giving any tension, or you're not starting the seam correctly.

Try this before hauling it in:

Raise the presser foot.

Find a piece of muslin (and old handkerchief or piece of sheet works fine for this) and fold it double. Dampen the fold with rubbing alcohol or unflavored vodka and floss between the upper tension disks with it. Cheap thread or coated thread can leave junk in the disks and keep them from closing properly.

Leaving the presser foot up so the thread can enter the tension,
thread the upper thread path (you can lower the presser foot to make it easier to thread the needle once you're past the upper tension).

Fetch the bobbin thread up, and bring both thread ends behind the presser foot a couple of inches. Bring the needle down into the work, and then lower the presser foot. Hang on to the thread ends behind the presser foot while you make 1-3 stitches with the handwheel (make sure you turn it the right way). Drop the thread ends and sew.

Answer 2

It probably needs to be adjusted from inside. Should be done once a year anyway.
.

Answer 3

http://www.sewusa.com/Sewing_Machine_Threading_Diagrams.htm

Scroll down until you find your machine. Has it been oiled lately and cleaned of all lint. Check manual under troubleshooting.