Originally Posted by quiltedsunshine

It's like the thread doesn't start in the upper tension -- like it has to work up to getting to the tension disks. The thread guide (top, back of the machine) that the thread goes into, before it goes into the tension disks, has 2 positions on it. One position is for bobbin winding, which is the little pre-tensioner on the left. The other position is for sewing, which starts behind and under on the right side.

If you've got it in the correct position, and it isn't working for you, try putting it in the pre-tensioner. For some machines, that little change is just the magic the machine needs.

Also, I have to add that if you're using a funky thread, that could also be an issue. I'm talking about "hand quilting" or "outdoor" thread, etc.

And one last thought... If there's damage on the hook, that can also give you loops.

Good Luck with your machine!