Hey Raine,
What is the number on the upper tension dial? We usually say 3 -5 is average "normal" tension...
Here's a test you can do to figure out if it's the top or bottom tension that's a problem:
Thread the machine, but leave the needle unthreaded (you can thread it, but I find this easier with it not threaded and I get less stab wounds.)
With the presser foot up, pull on the needle thread. This is what the thread feels like with "no" tension on it.
Now turn the dial to 0, and put the presser foot down. Now pull the thread again.
Does it feel just a tiny bit tighter, or noticeably tighter?
A tiny bit tighter is good. If it's a fair bit tighter, then someone has been in there to adjust and didn't put it back together right. I can walk you through the adjustment without having to take the whole thing apart if you let me know if this is the problem.
If it feels just a smidgen tighter, then the top tension is probably "within spec" and you want to pay attention to the lower tension.
I posted an article on my blog on Sunday about bobbin case maintenance, and coincidentally, I used a featherweight's bobbin case for the photos. It should look very familiar to you if you follow it.
http://www.archaicarcane.com/2013/03...e-maintenance/
The other great resource is the TFSR.org project that I linked to earlier.
http://www.tfsr.org/publications/tec...achine_manual/
In there it teaches you to adjust your bobbin case with a 1 oz weight. I do this when I'm home and working at my bench. If I'm out, I do it the way I described above - Top tension first, then set the bobbin tension based on that.
If we have to do the top tension adjustment, let me know. It's probably the kick in the rear I needed anyway, since I did promise on my blog to do it.
