Hmm....interesting theory. This machine gets very linty. Every time I change the bobbin I do a complete disassemble and cleaning. I'll check the area. I changed the bobbin earlier today but I wouldn't be surprised if there is lint there already. It's odd - this machine gets so much lintier than my other one, a Kenmore 117.740, which is basically the same machine except the bobbin area is configured a little differently.