Originally Posted by
ragamuffin
I continually adjust the top tension and then I looked online and tried to have the bobbin pull about 4" down like a spider from the web.
I think your bobbin tension is too loose. I have the Sweet Sixteen which I understand is very similar to the Tiara. In the class I took the instructor told us you should be able to lift the bobbin with the thread but the bobbin shouldn't drop. Maybe you could ask at the shop where you took the lessons.
Also, the needles I use are size 16. That's what size came with the machine and I haven't had any problems with them.