Miriam, it seems like I have been reading lately that one should adjust the needle tension only when the presser foot is down. I don't understand that. I think that making sure the thread goes through all the guides and is between the discs that adjusting the dial wouldn't make any difference whether or not the presser foot is down. I know that the presser foot being up when going through the discs imakes it easier to make sure the thread is between them.
I like Tammie's advice as to pulling up on both sides to make sure the thread is seated between the discs.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.