I have an older Nolting 24 that was very well used when I got it. My husband is great at the upper tension. I don't often thread from scratch, I just tie the new thread and pull the thread through the same path. I found that with my Glide thread, I have to thread the machine slightly differently than recommended. The lady I bought the machine from said it only liked King Tut. After having the machine professionally cleaned and adjusted, I can use any thread on it. I always have a test area off to the side of my quilt to test my stitches. The test area has the backing and batting and then I put a scrap of fabric similar to what the quilt is made of. Sometimes it takes more sewing tests than other times. The bobbins must be wound properly. If they are loosely wound, the machine will not sew. Pre-wounds are usually great.