I have two thoughts depending on how old your Singer is, if it is a vintage machine or just an older one. Does your feed dogs lower to FMQ? Are you putting the presser foot down to FMQ? Also when adjusting the tension on older non computerized machines the presser foot has to be down to adjust the upper tension. You know if the one you have is worth fixing. I agree with everyone here, there are lots of good machines out there that don't cost an arm and a leg. Good luck and happy Quilting.