My machine won't stitch, and the tensions seems to be very high, even after adjusting it.

Doing a google search for the brand plus model number for a user guide or YouTube videos might find what you are looking for. That it is a Necchi doesn't supply the model number and of course models differ. On a 537L model, the large knob on the right side about halfway between the top and bottom of the machine adjusts stitch length. The numbers may range from 0 to 5 with 0 meaning no length and 5 being the largest length. Tension, stitch length and stitch width are all controlled by small dials on the front of the Necchi machine. If your stitch length is set to 0, the sewing machine will not feed the fabric. Incorrect tension will cause poor stitch quality. You must consult you machine's user manual to know how to adjust the tension as the procedure differs among machines. Here is a general guide, however:

How to Adjust the Tension on Sewing Machine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-7bnb_6EBU Necchi

Quilting is a bit more finicky than regular sewing. Be sure to ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the top thread. FWIW, I use a separate bobbin case for FMQ that I have tightened the tension to keep the bobbin thread from coming to the top of the sandwich, but I tend to use a finer thread for quilting so adjusting the bobbin takes care of it. In your case, however, it sounds like the top thread is staying under the fabric. I would try tightening the top tension. Also, install a brand new needle--a top stitch, embroidery, or microtex needle seem to work well for me. Test well on a sandwich made of the same fabric and batting and get it adjusted well before sewing on your quilt. Sometimes sewing speed will affect stitches under the fabric, or even on top.

5 Free Motion Quilting Problems and How to Fix Them

Correcting Sewing Machine Tension for Free Motion Quilting NQC

LOOPS Tension or Speed

https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/machine-quilting-thread.html

https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/sewing-machine-tension.html

https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/machine-quilting-tension-problems.html

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The right tension on an overlocker will vary depending on the result that you want. The standard tension for just a plain 4-thread overlock stitch would generally have all the thread tensions set at the halfway mark between the high and lower number. From that point, you may need to tighten or loosen each thread tension to get all the threads to stitch evenly.

Probably the best advice would be consult your owner's manual. It should have instructions on adjusting the tensions and what to look for.

Another suggestion would be to search YouTube for a video that shows how to adjust overlocker tension.

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When selecting a stich, there's a button with a triangle with one edge pointing down. There you can select Needle Position and Stitch Length. --PDF manual, page 23

The thread tension has no influence on the stitch length. It just adjusts, where needle thread and bobbin thread 'meet' inside the fabric. A too high tension means, the bobbin thread is pulled trough the fabric and can be seen on the upper (needle) side. A too low tension means, the bobbin thread is not pulled through the fabric and you can see the needle thread on the bobbin side.

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

top tension must be adjusted to fix loose stitches of bottom stitches
adust the top tension one letter or number higher and sew on a scrap
piece of fabric till stitches look correct,, here is a free manual
http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/36952a1312a6d8436174ef874f3662471a946b64.pdf

Let me give you a quick lesson in adjusting your tension. First, thread your bobbin and your upper thread with two different colors-it'll make it easier to see exactly what you need to adjust.

Thread your machine with the presser foot UP. The disks that control the tension (thread goes through them) are tightened up if the foot is down.

Change the machine tension with the presser foot DOWN. Because the disks won't be engaged (see above) if the foot is up, the disks won't move.

Start at the middle setting, 3. Go up to tighten, decrease to loosen. Each machine is different, even 2 different machines of the same model. The best thing to do is start at 3 and use a different color in the top and bobbin thread so you can easily see what changes to the tension do to your stitches.

Now use a straight stitch a sew 3 or so inches. Take a look at the top and bottom of the fabric. You don't want to see any (or at least not much) of the other color showing from the other side.

Loops on the bottom of the fabric means you need to tighten (increase) your top tension. If you're stitches on the bottom are causing puckering, then you need to loosen you're top tension. For the most part, you really don't want to touch your bobbin tension-leave that to a repair technician. The factory setting shouldn't be touched except by someone who really knows what they're doing.

Keep sewing a few inches at a time until you have the results you want. Now you're tension is where you need it!

Hi Karen. First, you really do need a manual for your machine. I found one at http://www.sew4less.com/browse.php?CategoryID=5&filter_brand_id=83&filter_model_id=6040&go_filter.x=27&go_filter.y=9. Sewing Parts online also has your manual: http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/viking-sewing-machine-instruction-manuals.aspx
If the bobbins fit your machine and it makes a stitch, then the bobbins you have are fine--what you have is an adjustment problem, to get the stitch balanced. (I have a little tip/hint on adjusting the balance that might help you.) Here are a couple of things to remember when you're adjusting the tension:
1. Use different color threads in the bobbin and on top to make it easier to see
2. Thread your machine with the pressure foot UP. (Otherwise, the thread may not slip into the tension disks like it should.)
3. Adjust the tension with the pressure foot DOWN. (This engages the tension disks.)
4. Move the tension dial only a little bit at a time.
Hope this helps!

Robbie

increase top thread tension slowly till u get similar stitches on both sides