I lost my manual and dont know how to tread sewing machine and what to put the tension on for regular sewing

when you put the bobbin in the carrier make sure you have about 6" of thread out
next adjust the needle thread tension right up

When you thread the top do it with the foot in the up position. As you thread you should notice the ease of movement through the tension, holes, etc. If you come to a point it is sticking, check why. The tension could be a problem. Anyway, if you don't seem to have a problem hear then put your foot down. Pull on the thread to see if it is stuck or not moving with an extreme amount of difficulty. You may need to lower the tension. A good starting point is 3. I expect your tension is the problem. If it is still the problem then lower the bobbin tension slightly. By the time you finish the knot should be in the middle of the fabric. Sometimes there is one more problem It is the thread is poor quality and is unravelling in the needle hole. Observe this closely as you sew. You know what to do if this is the problem.

You must thread your machine with the presser foot UP, and here's why. There are disks that face each other on EVERY sewing machine; that is what applies the tension. Those disks are spread when the presser foot is UP to allow the thread to pass in between them. When you put the presser foot DOWN, the disks come together again and apply the tension. You will only feel tension on thread with the presser foot down.

If you are putting too much fabric for the machine to sew this will happen. Does it sew any other fabrics? Some machines....even many commercial machines.........will not sew real heavy fabrics. Any thing over 1/3 of an inch and thats probably the case.

Derek

You can get a manual (free) here - http://www.brother-usa.com/manuals/default.aspx?ProductGroupID=3

the problem of your machine is your needle. put your needle in his right position. adjust the tension. and it is ok. promise

these are the best setting i have found for sewing through thick materials, specifically leather and vinyl:
top tension- between 8 and 9 bottom tension- between 4 and 5 stitch length between 3 and 4 stitch type: 2
that is just what works best for me, i have a brother xl-2600i

Adjust the bobbin screw tread tension, its too tight.

From your description it appears that you have tried tension settings on the upper tension control adjustment knob without success.
Check that the bobin tension is adjusted correctly by taking out the bobin complete with the spool.
Pull the cotton thread and it should be a smooth light pressure if the tension is correct. If it is tight to pull or pulls freely then adjust the tension screw which is found on the outside of the bobbin. The screw is very small and requires a minature size screwdriver. The adjustment will only be a slight turn of the screw one way or the other to obtain the correct tension(depending if it was loose or tight).
Once this is set reinstall the bobin and tread up the machine, hopefully with the upper tension set at approx."2" the machine will sew correctly.