I have no tension at all on my singer 8734

That is called thread nesting or bird nesting. Usually it is because it is threaded incorrectly (sometimes the thread jumps out of a thread guide or the take-up lever), the upper thread is not seated in the tension disk, or the upper tension is incorrect.

First thing, install a brand new needle.
Second, remove the upper thread, RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning--make sure the correct thread path is followed.
Third, check that the upper tension is set at the midway point between high & low number.

Test. Adjust the upper tension as needed. Re-test. Tension is correct when the upper and bobbin threads meet in the middle of the fabric.

need elp with tension on singer cg550

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You didn't explain the symptoms. Is the thread bunching, looping, knotting under the fabric? Is the bobbin thread rising to the top of the fabric?

If it is bunching under the fabric, it is probably what is called thread nesting or bird nesting. There are several fixes, sometimes more than one fix is required to resolve the issue.

Be sure to clean under the needle plate, around the bobbin, and the feed dogs. If the machine has instructions for oiling, follow the directions using a fresh, good quality sewing machine oil and apply only 1-2 drops each spot.

Install a brand new needle. Make sure you are using a needle compatible with the thread and fabric being used. All About Needles
Best practice is to use the same thread in both the upper and bobbin. Also, avoid old or bargain bin thread. Spend an extra couple of dollars to reduce frustration and increase success with your machine. If you wish, you may use two different colors of thread to test so you can easily determine what is happening with the tension.

Remove the thread from the machine. RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning--the thread needs to be seated firmly in the tension disk. Verify that the correct thread path is followed (consult the owner's manual).

Set the upper tension to the midway point between high & low numbers (this is the factory standard and is a good place to start, but every machine is different and may need adjustment).

Confirm that the bobbin is installed in the bobbin case (turning the correct direction) and that the bobbin case is threaded properly.

Before beginning to stitch, hand rotate the handwheel one rotation and pull the bobbin thread to the top of the fabric. Then, gently hold the thread tails in the left hand and slowly begin to stitch.

Test.

If thread is bunching, looping under the fabric, the upper tension is too loose. Tighten it and retest. On most machines, the lower the tension number, the looser the tension.

If the bobbin thread is rising to the top of the fabric, the upper tension is too tight. Loosen the upper tension and retest.

Keep adjusting and testing until it is where you want it. Generally, tension is correct when both threads (upper & bobbin) meet in the middle of the fabric. FWIW, tension is static and should be tested and readjusted every time a new project is begun. The needle, thread, and fabric will affect the tension, so it is important to get comfortable adjusting the tension.

Also found the following reviews. Appears that some users have had tension issues with their CG550.

Amazon com Customer Reviews Singer CG 550 10 Stitch Commercial Grade...

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If the thread is bunching up, it sounds to me like the stitch isn't being formed properly. Nothing to do with the bobbin, more a case of timing.
The spike, or whatever it is on your machine, which is under the needle, must pass through the loop in the thread from the needle at exactly the right time.
When the needle reaches it's lowest point, as it starts to go upwards again,a loop is formed in the thread,next to the needle eye. This loop is what the spike must pass through in order to make the stitch.

adjust the top thread tension one number or letter at a time on a
scrap piece of fabric till you get the correct stitch
turn the bobbin the opposite direction
here is a free manual
http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/5d6ce627c00cb91c477d4703f1b704aab08a72c8.pdf

Ensure your thread goes BETWEEN the tenstion discs..NOT around them....then ensure you have threaded the take up arm

Your threading might be the problem, follow the advise in your manual for your fabric. or go to singerco.com & see what they advise in your model or another one for tensions on satin. You may need a walking foot to do the job, You can take a scrap piece of fabric and try using tissue paper under your fabric to stop the slippage, then tear it away. We did that when I was learning to sew, and it worked. Good luck.

whoa, why are you adjusting bobbin tension? Your machine looks fairly new, I think I would try rethreading and making sure that I have a fresh needle in the machine if there is thread bunched up under the fabric. Usually, it is the top threads causing the problem. Read your manual, if you don't have one go to singerco.com and download one for free.

tension could be too loose. start with bobbin tension- should allow thread to pass with SLIGHT resistance. then adjust top tension at about 2-3 to start.

Make sure that there is tension on the thread when you have passed it through the tension unit, by making sure the presser foot is down, and then gently pulling the thread to feel tension. If there is no tension, as seems to be the case, check the tension discs inside the unit to make sure that there is no debris stopping them from closing.

Your thread tension needs adjustment.

Most likely it is the lower thread tension (not the upper thread tensioner).

When sewing very thin or very heavy material - it is required to adjust the lower tension as well.

To regulate the lower thread tension - turn the small screw on the tension spring of the bobbin case with a small screwdriver.

To increase tension - turn it clockwise SLIGHTLY.


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