Sewing problems: Zig-Zag Stitch on Machine.

[-Asphyxia-]

So...I have no idea if anyone will be able to help me with this, but I am basically trying to patch my jeans with a zig-zag stitch using a pretty new Singer machine that was bought w/in the past few years.

I am not a sewing expert (obviously), but I think everything is set up right as far as the bobbin thread, etc. go...Problem is, when I try to use a zig-zag stitch, my machine locks up and the thread itself gets all knotted and stuff on my sample fabric....I've messed around w/the tension, but no luck...WTF am I doing wrong? Am I really that stupid that I could get a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Metals and Printmaking but can't opperate a sewing machine? lol

I've tried googling Singer, but it's not much help...I think I'm going to try some sewing message boards or something... *geek*

This is really frustrating.

[flying[star]]

stitch length maybe. i'm **** with sewing machines, but i know some stiches can't use short lengths. like the decrative stiches for example. i *think* zig-zag needs a longer length than say, straight stiches -- which is probbaly what your machine is set to

but you'd probably be better off hand-sewing anyway, especially if it's in an odd place

[Loveless.]

I have no idea, but I do empathise with the evil little sewing machine that never does anything right. (:
Personally, I hand sew everything because of it. Though are you sure that your machine will be able to handle jeans + the patch material? It might not be capable of that, I know my old machines never liked jean material - it was always too thick/strong.

[Dicky T]

I know the following about stitching:

If you sow something in time (maybe there's a time limit or something because lets face it, that's the POINT of a sowing machine), you can save yourself exactally 9 stiches.

9!

Dicky!

[Katiee]

Don't ask me I'm hopeless!

[-Asphyxia-]

Haha.....Damn sewing machines. Curses!

I will try messing with the stitch length, and if that doesn't work, I will do it by hand.

I actually don't mind sewing by hand - I find it relaxing - I kind of just wanted to figure out what the problem with this was. Oh well. Thanks!