Randa, same thing happened to me, Billy kindly set me strait, thought Id pull my hair out. each time u remove the bobbin case or the cover plate make sure the little "finger" on the bobbin case is caught in the slot on bottom of the case. not something you would notice! Also, just wanted to say that tonight I was trying to finish some "doggie dudds" for donation to humain society annual MUTT STRUT. using my janome cause it was handy. that machine REFUSED to sew the velcrow strips on for me. i threaded, rethreaded, tore bobbin area apart and gave it a good cleaning, after one frustrating hour, i got out the 201, and WHALA!!! a few minutes later, they are done. I love that machine!