Ah yes, I m sure that you must be already be set at A then (to the right where it says Janome?) The nice lady I saw in John Lewis said you need never change it, it automatically adjusts to whatever you are sewing at present requires. I think a lot of bovver from previous machines came from the tension not being correct. This one has been a dream to use, and the usual problems of the stitch being too tight, or too loose, have been non existent. The nice lady also showed me how to use the automatic needle threader, but said to be very very gentle with it, as it can break easily. So with that in mind, and being a bit ham fisted, I ve chosen to thread it manually! Yes, come on, hearts with blue thread on top, you know you want to!