At one time, Metrosene thread had a left twist to it, but after so many complaints, I understand that the company reversed the twist. Now as to your thread knotting up on you, make sure that you thread your needle with the end of the thread that comes off the spool. Also, you can run your thread through Thread Heaven or beeswax which helps it to stay straight. You probably should thread several needles at a time to insure that you always thread them as the thread reels off the spool. Hope this helps. Good luck!