Had the same problem but once we figured it out, Lizzie has been crankin. It is such a great machine and you really can't blame anyone because after you figure out the problem, it was all in the book, all we had to do was read it correctly. We all try to fix a LA like a sewing machine but the tension and threading is much different. Just moving the thread spindles can change the upper tension. So happy you are now ready to create. Hugs