What settings should I be using to use to make a straight stitch

There are a few possible reasons why your Simplicity American Quilter SA2400LX is only stitching straight:

1. Stitch length setting: Check that the stitch length setting is not set to zero or a very small number. If it is, the machine will only sew straight stitches.
2. Stitch selector mechanism: It's possible that there is a problem with the stitch selector mechanism that is preventing it from engaging properly. You may need to take it to a repair technician to have this checked and fixed.
3. Tension setting: Make sure that the tension setting is correct for the type of stitch you are trying to sew. If the tension is too high, it can cause the machine to only sew straight stitches.
4. Timing: The timing of the machine may be off, which can cause the machine to not properly engage the stitch selector mechanism. This is a more complicated issue and may require professional repair.

If you are comfortable with sewing machine repairs and want to try to fix it yourself, start with checking the stitch length and tension settings. If those are not the issue, it may be best to take it to a repair technician for further diagnosis and repair.

If your Huskystar 207 sewing machine is stuck on zigzag stitch even when you have selected a straight stitch pattern, there are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the needle position: Make sure that the needle is in the center position. If it is not, you may need to adjust it using the machine's settings.
2. Check the stitch length and width: Make sure that the stitch length and width are set to the appropriate settings for a straight stitch. Refer to your manual for the correct settings.
3. Check the tension: If the tension is too loose or too tight, it can cause the machine to sew a zigzag stitch instead of a straight stitch. Make sure the tension is set correctly for the fabric you are working with.
4. Clean the machine: Sometimes, a buildup of dust and lint can cause the machine to malfunction. Try cleaning the machine, particularly the bobbin case and feed dogs, to see if this resolves the issue.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, you may need to take your machine to a professional for repair.

Try this:
Remove the top thread completely from the machine.
ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread from the beginning.
Verify the thread is following the correct threadpath.

FWIW, stitch length 7 is pretty long. Are you running a basting stitch?

Is your bobbin threaded correctly? You should be able to pull out the thread slowly while feeling it very slightly holding back. It should not pull out easily or quickly.
Could be something wrong with your tensions, try adjusting the upper tension first by starting at the middle setting and working gradually higher and then lower till you get a neat even stitch.

Set the stitch selector to straight stitching.
Set the stitch length to 2.5
Set the thread tension dial (leftmost dial) to 5.
Done

Stitch length on 2.5 and stitch width on zero, and just loosen the top tension by a half number if you want the tension looser. If your machine has a stitch selector knob, make sure it is set to the straight stitch setting.

Properly balanced tensions are critical. The lower bobbin tension must be tight enough to pull the knots down. To which number is your upper tension set? It should be around three. Skipping stitches is an indicator of hook timing and hook/needle clearance issues.

You can download a manual for your White machine from the Singer website, link is
http://www.singerco.com/uploads/download/1111_white-1760-xl-x.pdf

Here are the relevant pages from the manual:



Straight stitch settings as follows:
stitch length on 2.5 (selector marked with blue arrow)
stitch width on zero (no swinging of the needle) selector marked with red arrow
stitch selector on A - selector marked with green arrow

Generally all sewing machines will have a similar three controls, because all stitches are a combination of moving the fabric forward a certain amount between the needle going through the fabric - the stitch length; and moving the needle from side to side - the stitch width.

And then a stitch selector for different stitch forms such as a blind hem or shell stitch where the needle is going through a series of different moves in sequence to form a special stitch. You still have the width and length controls to vary this formation.

For general sewing machine information www.sewing.about.com is excellent, there is lots of pages on general tips, cleaning, threading up and sewing machine know how. Try this page to start http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachineindex/ig/Sewing-Machines.--9k/

If you are a beginner, then I'd recommend printing out the instruction manual for your machine and putting into a binder, placing beside the machine, and carefully read from the beginning going through all the instructions to wind a bobbin, thread up, three or four times until you can do it without reading the manual, then practice stitching out each of the stitches your machine does. Buy a cheap exercise book and on each page, write the name of the stitch, staple the stitch sample in and either write down the settings used or glue in a photo taken of the machine controls you used. This way you can quickly flick through and refer to your settings next time. ADjusting the top tension dial will also adjust the stitch formation so read the manual and set the tension dial to the setting it suggests but sometimes you'll need to adjust it slightly to get the stitch looking even (balanced between top and bottom thread), especially for zigzags.

Practice a bit and you'll soon feel much more confident using the machine. Also, refer to the cleaning and oiling instructions and do it regularly, along with changing the needle for each new sewing project, about 4-6 hours sewing time. The needle is the most important part of a sewing machine, always use the right sized needle for the fabric. Refer here for info http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachineindex/ig/Sewing-Machine-Needles/

I hope this helps you with your White sewing machine, there are lots of great sewing machine books on the market too or in your public library to refer to. Also taking beginner sewing classes will really help you learn how best to use your machine. I've been sewing for over 38 years but still enjoy going to a class and learning a new technique from another enthusiast - life long learner!!

upper thread tension may be too loose
needle may have a slight bend in it
may need cleaning use canned air to blow out lintmaybe take in to a repair shop and have them check it out and show you about the cleaning process.

A good standard tension setting is usually around 4.5.
If you find it to be looping on the bottom, raise your top tension. If it's pulling bobbing thread to the top, lower your top tension.
For straight stitch, your stitch width should be set to zero, although on some machines (and I believe your Baby Lock to be one of them,) the stitch width setting will change your needle position.
Stitch length is simply a matter of preference.

-R