The machine I use is a 1926 Singer Model 66, picked up at a junk shop for about 50 bucks 20 years ago. I have seen similar models around for the same or less....I recently tried to use my wife's walmart special. I got it looping on the bottom right off the bat then gave it back to her. I use a med to heavy thread with the tension set high on top and bottom. Here is a link to my machine...http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/r...x.html?t=43389