Sewing Machine Question/Problem Sewing Machines Parts and Sales in Los Angeles

Hi
I am a beginner, 49 year old male. I’ve made some basic curtains. I make them because I can’t seem to find what I want in stores already made.

My problem is, practically every time I sew a hem, up the side, across the bottom or top, the top layer winds up a little bit longer than the bottom layer even though the are exactly the same and pinned when I start.

It isn’t a lot. For instance, this panel I am doing now is 60″ wide by 69″ tall, and the top layer comes out about 1/4″ – 3/8″ longer. I only remove pins when they get within an inch or so of the needle, so I would think that would keep the layers even, but apparently it doesn’t.

I CAN live with it, but I am kind of a perfectionist and I don’t WANT to.

Fabric is not thick, not sheer, so light/medium (?).

Machine is a basic Kenmore (#385.17124790). Probably 10-15 years old, like new though.

Using straight stitches, length set at 2, range is 0-4.
Thread tension is set at 3, range is 0-9.
Presser foot is set at 2, range is 0-3.

I was thinking maybe the pressure foot should be set 1 higher/more pressure or lower/less pressure? But really, I’m clueless. I do have a walking foot, but that shouldn’t be necessary for something like this, correct?

Another little issue I have is, when sewing along, and you get to a spot where there is a bump/thicker spot from a folded over hem underneath the top layer, if I am not paying attention, the material completely stops being fed, jamming at the foot, and in a second you get a big knot of thread and a bunch of aggravation.

Usually when I come up on a bump from underneath, I slowly let it feed until the bump is getting tight against the foot, then I lift the foot, with needle in material. This allows the bump to move a little bit, putting it slightly under the foot. Then I let the foot back down and continue along slowly until past the bump… if that makes sense.

What do others do when coming up to a bump that will not go under the foot by itself and cause a big jam?

Thanks for any help. Sorry for the long post.