I'm trying to quilt a lap size quilt on a Singer sewing machine with a walking foot. When I put on the walkiing foot, and sew a straight line I am able to pull on the top thread and remove it like I had done a gathering stitch. I have set the tension as low as 0 and high as 9. At 9 I'm not able to pull on it as easy, but it will try to gather. Should the tension be that high?

Cindy, is this a new Singer or an old Singer? It almost sounds as if the presser foot is not lowered. Also, the little hook that is to the right of the needle must hook either over or around the needle bar. Can you send a photo?

What happens when you sew on a scrap of fabric with your regular foot?

The tension should be "normal" or close to normal. It sounds like something is not set right. The only thing I have to change when I use the walking foot is the stitch length. It looks silly (to me) when it is too small. Did you by chance lower the feed dogs? They need to be up.