If you're having problems getting the bobbin thread up to the top, make sure you're holding the loose end of the needle thread tight. I drop my presser foot, manually put the needle down and up with the wheel, lift the presser foot, hold the loose needle thread end and pull up on it until I see the little loop of the bobbin thread. I'm not adept at picking up the little bobbin loop with my fingers yet so I use the end of a pin to tug on the loop until the end comes out.