Are you using thread that is for hand quilting. It feels stiffer than other thread. It is almost like a very thin wire. Yes, try turning the needle around. If you are right handed thread the needle with the end of the thread before you cut the thread off the spool. If you are left handed, thread the needle with the end that you actually cut off the spool. This will help keep the thread from knotting up on you as you quilt.