I agree with the Magic Bobbin Washers - huge difference, and not an expensive item. Order them online from Leah Day. I have to add that one time when I was at the place where I bought my machine I bought "cheap" bobbins, and had a ton of trouble when I got home. It wasn't till I went back, and they apologized, saying that the cheap plastic bobbins had little "spurs" of plastic which messed up the sewing. I now use only Janome bobbins in my machine - they're totally smooth and meant for the Janome machines. You will find your "formula" - just persevere.