I had similar problems with my 8900 when I was top stitching some table runners. I took it in for service; in addition to a thorough cleaning (I had done several projects with flannel and always use insulbright in my runners so there was lint in places I wouldn't even try to reach) the dealer recommended Purple Tip needles for some of the sewing I do. No more problems with the machine so you may want to try a different size/type of needle.