having trouble getting started with new sewing machine

[hophophippidtyhop]

I got a sewing machine for christmas which is essentially the same as the one I've borrowed off my mum recently. Got it all threaded correctly, but the thread is not on the top of the fabric and bunching up underneath. It worked fine for the first four inches. Have tried to adjust the screw on the bobbin case, but not having any luck. Needle tension seems ok, any ideas, I'm desperate to get on and use it!

have you put the bobbin in the right way round?

Have you clicked the "foot" down?
Is there a trouble shooting section in the user manual?

the bobbin should go in so that when the thread is pulled towards you it makes a P shape.

Yep, done all that.Going to get my mum or a sewing neighbour to have a look. Trouble shooting in manual doesn't seem to cover it

Have you tried a new bobbin? Sometimes mine does this if the bobbin isn't wound properly and 'releases' the thread too fast/slow.
New needle?

Is it a brand new machine? If it isn't then try cleaning it, I tend to hoover mine with teh crevice tool when it starts playing silly buggers to get all the dust bunnies out from inside which has always worked.

If none of that works then try swearing at it.

good luck
I bought myself a new (second hand) sewing machine with my christmas money today and I'm ridicuously excited
problem is I cleared out all my scrap fabric recently so may have to raid dhs wardrobe

Yes it's a new one, have tried a new needle and swearing! Have left it for now and waiting to be rescued. Haven't tried a different bobbin yet, I'll try that today. Have got some fabric from stuff I made before christmas with my mum's machine, which makes it more frustrating i can't get it going!It's the same as my mum's just a newer version, so I was, "great! I can just switch on and go!". Grrr...

yay it's working! must have had a funny 24 hours!

yay!