I have an 80/12, new, Universal Schmeltz needle in, was using two layers cheaper fabric and 2 layers of flannel and a 2 fabric batting combo., Guterman 100% cotton thread, brushed the area where bobbin is and the feed dog.
The machine has sat for almost 3 yrs.(my bad) I did oil every spot, (had manual with me), ran floss thru the tension discs.
Have the upper tension between 4-5, bobbin thread and spool thread are the same. have threaded and re-threaded several times. double checked bobbin and bobbin case is very clean.
This was not an issue when I last used the machine.
Have not taken the throat plate off yet. The dial knob does not turn that freely. I am not having to force either.
Pennycandy: yes feed dogs are up. The forward stitch looks great(front and back) the mess, tension issues are in the reverse stitch.
All go thru the checklist with the machine in the AM. Be a first to take apart the top tensioner, I'll save that for last.
Thank you Ladies!!