Tension on sewing machine - Novice question

[MrsWalton]

I have lost the instructions to my sewing machine. I think it's a Silver 8600.

I can't seem to get the tension right.

There is a dial that seems to tighten the top/facing side, but the underside keeps loopy.

Does a tension adjuster only work on the upperside on any machine?

TIA

If the underside is loopy I suspect that it isn't threaded up correctly or your tensioner is far too loose

sounds like you need to tighten the bobbin tension. the dial will only do the top tension. does your bobbin go into a metal casing before it goes in underneath?, take out the case, and there should be a small screw on the side, turing the screw will tighten or loosen the bobbin tension. do it just a 1/4 turn at a time, work out which way tightens, and which way loosens, and tighten it up 1/4, try that, if it's still too loose, tighten again. the bobbin thread should run freely though the case, but there should be a little bit of resistance when you pull on the thread for it to be correct (does that make sense?!)

Lucykate, your a genius! Thanks so much. I have made three aprons and a peg bag, with the awful loopy underside, and i could not work out how to solve it.

I've been googleing and trying to hunt down the instruction manual. Finally i remembered the art/craft slot on MN. Knew i'd get the answer here.

I'm chuffed now. Thanks again. It worked on the first 1/4 turn.