Tammi, I was being sarcastic about the plastic wonders... I know they can jam same as anything else. Most problems with machines are user error of some sort. I thought about making this whole thread sarcastic (I leave that for CD to rewrite or make into a poem) and it would have been very easy but I realize there are beginner sewing machine operators that really do need some tips. It IS hard to remember everything - I still make thread nests. Mom REALLY makes thread nests. I don't know if chewing gum would help with concentration or make it worse... maybe chocolate? And yes some machines need longer tail thread than others - you are right leave enough tail or give the machine a turn while holding on to the tails before putting fabric in. I was hoping other people would chime in with things I forgot.