Phew,.......I am so happy to see this post...I thought it was just me making a bad machine selection(babylock). The auto cut feature, I thought would be great, but then was, am having that same problem..so happy(?)to hear others with other machines are having that same experience......I too have noticed if I scootch that fab just so the first bite is on fab no prob..but when in a hurry and just shove and sew...bingo, no top thread.....I will try adjusting the pressure a bit, if not, road trip to dealer. Baby needs an "adjustment" or trade in!