Thanks so much Prism99, for the youtube videos - I would not have thought of that!

But - doesn't the shot I took of the video also look like the thread's just coming off the bobbin, not from the 'tension' area?

It sure does seem though that it has to be a bobbin issue!

Yay!!!!!!! Thanks so much everyone - there's a little almost microscopic metal slit thingy, that I was apparently missing.
Now, of course, my bobbin is 1/2 empty, so will need to refill shortly... **Hopefully I can get it back in again right! ;) lol!!!

Thank you all again!!!

Glad to hear! It does usually turn out to be simple but takes a while to figure out. We are lucky to have more experience to help us.

And it could be a piece of thread caught somewhere in the bobbin area. If your machine has a thread cutter, there might be a piece of thread around it, I have had that happen to me and it screwed up my tension. Good luck!

Yeap, usually something ridiculously simple, which my mind always fails to catch! lol!!!

I have always been grateful for the quick responses I've always gotten on here! You all are lifesavers!!

For anyone new - don't ever hesitate to ask any questions - such a wealth of experience here!!

Thank you all!! :) :)

I think you are correct. My machine threads like you said.

Yes MaureenNJ - it's sewing perfectly again! I don't know how many times I reinstalled that bobbin, and don't know how I ended up finally getting it right! lol!!!! Almost time to rewind it again.... I have my fingers crossed I can do it again! ;) :)

If you look at the bobbin picture the thread is coming off the top right to left. You need to turn it over and insert it with the thread coming over the top and then under (right to left) through the tension and then into guide on the left...up and over and down to the blade. I hope this helps.