Looking for basic instructions for use of the sewing machine I recently found in my grandmothers basement.

Hello, Diane -

You may find the tutorial here instructive:
https://blog.colettehq.com/tutorials/tutorial-hemming-a-curved-edge-by-machine

Proper pressing before sewing the hem is one of the key steps.

You also may find this video instructive:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h27ZzDKAB0
The instructions for a curved hem begin at the 4:07 minute point.

Best wishes.

How to Serge Rolled Hem

How To Sew Rolled Hems with the Narrow Hemmer Foot

Sewing Basics Narrow Rolled Hems with Serger Sew Mama Sew Outstanding...

StitchCraft Blog Archive TUTORIAL How to do rolled hem on serger

Serging Rolled Hem Quick Tutorial

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How to Serge Rolled Hem

Sewing Basics Narrow Rolled Hems with Serger Sew Mama Sew Outstanding...

http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/how-to-quilt/quilting-basics/machine-minute-rolled-hem-serger

StitchCraft Blog Archive TUTORIAL How to do rolled hem on serger

Consult your owner's manual for instructions. You should probably have a rolled hem presser foot to make a rolled seam.

For basic instructions, search the internet for:

rolled hem

...

For?

If your machine came with a narrow rolled hem foot, the instructions should be in the manual. You can find the manual online on the Sears website, support, manuals and instructions. If you do not have a narrow hem foot for your machine, look online for a universal foot that would fit your machine. Search on youtube or Sewing machine makers websites for tutorial on using a Narrow Hem presser foot. good luck,

You need a couple of things. One is to flatten the seams before you try to sew them. One of the best is to spread the hems on a wooden cutting board or simiilar smooth surface and beat the hems flat with a flat faced hammer. This is an official sewing hammer: http://www.fashion-incubator.com/archive/tools_and_supplies/ and it will compress the fabric so it doesn't lift your presser foot up and let the tension off the top thread (which is what's causing your looping problem).

For crossing thick seams, you need a shim to keep the presser foot flat while sewing. These are usually called hump jumpers or jean-a-majigs, and are a couple of bucks. Or you can use a fold of fabric in the same way: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbYenXIDaDk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKdW_vIZLBo

Alternatively, you can do the jeans hem alteration that pros will charge you more for (because it's "fashionable"), and it's also faster and easier. Often called Euro-hemming: http://www.sewmuchado.com/2011/06/tutorial-how-to-hem-jeans-and-keep-the-original-hem.html

what's the name & model of the sewing machine?

Hi, I just recently got my grandmothers Waltons Celestial machine, model 625, I have a manual if you think it may help. If your interested just leave your email address and 'I will get in touch with you.
Regards,
Nicole