I spoke with Nolting direct before I went to the rep. They also say it is the tension and maybe it is but I really don't think I should have to mess with tension for at least 15 min. every time I want to do a quilt, and then to have stitches that aren't very nice looking. I am really disappointed in Nolting and would not recommend them to anyone. I just wonder how many others have tension trouble with the mid-arm machines regardless of the mfg.