I just want to say thank-you to everyone that responded to my problem. I know there are many other majors issues in life, so i really appreciate all the input and am grateful for all the suggestions. What a wonderful resource this site is!!

no I haven't. tried denim needles and top stictching needles. So far nothing has worked. Am taking machine in tomorrow for overhaul and cleaning. I am really afraid it is going to come down to the batting. This is the first time I used something other than warm and natural. Am considering taking it to a long arm quilter to finish as I am under deadline to give as shower gift. maybe a more powerful machine is the answer, I really do appreciate all the nice people and helpful suggestions.

Hi there
I went to a sewing machine maintenance class last night and learned alot of interesting things... here is one thought that could be causing your problem. The eye in your needle is not big enough. To test this cut a piece of your thread you will be using. Using the needle you plan to use thread the needle with the cut piece of thread (your needle at this point is not in the sewing machine, but in your hand). hold the thread with one hand on one end of the thread, and the other hand holding the other side of the thread. Have your needle slide move up and down on the thread. If the needle is having trouble sliding, it means that the thread might be too thick or have nobs on it to move properly through the needle, this means you will need a bigger eye in the needle.

I also learned to use a free standing thread holder along the side of your machine so that the thread comes off the spool smoother and easier. Thread likes to be in a fertical position rather than a horizontal position.

Hope this helps!! Good Luck!

Aggie, great tip! Any other tidbits you can share with us?

ty so much I tried the needle trick even used a denim needle with a large hole tried the vertical position. Still leaning towards the batting (polyester) cutting the thread

some machines are just picky and may be rather snobbish over what type of batting they prefer :) how about tension? have you tried that?

I was having the same problem when I first starting quilting, and a good experienced quilting buddy advised me to use an embroidery needle (red) as they have larger eyes, and a groove which doesn't create as much friction on the thread, and its been great ever since. Hope this helps

I had this same problem once. At the end of all frustrating and unsucessfull 'fixes', I found my problem The thread I had purchased and used sucessfully for half the quilt looked like it was would onto the spool way too tightly during the first half of the manufacturing process. I checked this out by putting on my bobbin winder and watched the spool only while winding the bobbin. Sure enough, the spool would jerk and halt while the thread was coming off it, like it was stuck between the other threads on the spool. I actually can't even use this spool for regular sewing, due to the jerkiness of the thread coming off the spool. Although it cost over $5/spool and I had two of them, I finally decided to toss them. But, cheap as I am, I marked the labels with felt pen and just use those spools now for hand sewing.