CE5000PRW This is the third Brother brand sewing machine that I have purchased. They each have a defect in the tension; the other two were fixable after sending them to a local repairman....is this neccessary? I purchased a NEW product from our local Wal-Mart---bring it home, and find no way to stop the gathering from happening on the top stitching. Help!!! I love the stitch patterns and don't want to pay hundreds more for the other brand.

Check the troubleshooting section of the manual for the particular error code.

Brother Sewing Machine Error Code F4 SewingMachinesPlus

https://help.brother-usa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/126863/~/error-message-f4

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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E1 COMES UP ON DISPLAY WHAT DOES THAT MEAN

oh u sew

Just found the same manual online at Brothers HOME page. look on there for your info, no need to print out other than what you need. Good luck.

Try a little oil and let it set befor pulling.

Go to www.brother-usa.com and you can have her download the manual.

Your machine was designed to work with the Brother brand of bobbin thread. Any other thread will cause tension issues. If you want you machine to work with another brand of bobbin thread I suggest purchasing an additional bobbin case and have it calibrated for use with the other brand of thread.

i lost the cord to make the machine turn on

I fought with this machine so much, then felt like a fool. It wasn't threaded properly, and I needed to re-set the tension.
Thanks for being there - if only to vent......