Originally Posted by
crisscross
Well, taking the slack out of the first stitch will make the second stitch tighter, which will make the third one tighter...so, yes, IME, holding the thread tails as you begin does help.
Should that not work, you could always start sewing before where you need to, then go back and pick out the thread from the first few messy stitches.
I will try holding the first stitch, but that won't make much difference where you stop and change direction, without removing the needle, will it? I can't accept that this is normal operation, there must be something other then my inexperience at work here. I ordered a new bobbin case, just in case. Otherwise, I suppose I'll have to bring it in to a shop. It's too bad, because I really need to get this cover restitched, and if i have to service it, it will be another week... I guess if I bought a new machine, I wouldn't be in this "boat".
In any case, thanks to everyone who is trying to help. I really appreciate it!