I'm with Prism..something isn't threaded correctly. Is your thread coming off the bobbin in the right ire cation...are you going thru all the threading points on top, with the foot raised? It still holds true that problem on top site means fix the bobbin site. And also, put your thread on a holder or in a jar- away from the machine. Are you using a brand of thread that Brother doesn't like? You might have a bad needle with a burr in the hole...is the flat side to the back & threaded from the front? Don't panic, take your time to follow directions exactly. I'm using 4 machines and they each have their quirks. Let us know if you get it figured out.