I have a Siinger Quantum Stylist 9960. It's a computerized machine, and supposedly adjusts thread tension automatically.
It also has a thread cutter. All I have to do is push a button, and the thread cuts, and is held in position for the next fabric to be sewn. In order for me to hold the thread when starting, I would have to dig it out of the slot just ahead of the feed dog.
I think the problem just might be an idiosyncrasy of the Quantum Stylist 9960. Now that I know what to look for when the needle gets stuck, I know just to rethread the needle.