I would also suspect the thread. The solution of bringing your own better brand sounds perfect. I like gutterman thread myself but there are many other good threads to try. It would help to read the machine manual too, they usually have a trouble shooting section. If it was a spool of thread with the little notch for fastening the thread, sometimes that can catch the thread . Also check the thread path for any spots it might be snagging. Some spools have a definate way that they like to come off the spool. Some like to be upright and some like to come off the spool sideways.