Hi Barb, I have not tried a different thread. I believe they recommend polyester and I only have the Madeira Polyneon. What brand of thread did you use? The thread seems to be shredding, untwisting and bunching up in the take-up lever area as well as at the needle. I did have the machine serviced and they didn't find any problems. I wish the case would open in front of that area just so it could be vacuumed out. Thank you for your response, I do appreciate your time.