Hello,
I have same machine and my son found website that has a manual for download for 5 dollars and I figured that I would take the chance and order it and the only difference in the machines are the button hole knobs and the slider for ss and m which I found that adjusts your zig zag tension.Maybe your problem is silver thingy on top of machine is disingauged.
I bought manual from
www.manualsoncd.com just got it tonight and I really belive it will help alot!If I can help pm me and we could talk either email or telephone if your intrested.I know what you mean about letting someone how is just learning use good machine,I have used my Elgin for just plain piecing and I LOVE IT!!! Hope this helps Retta97