I use Polyester Embroidery threads. Some are from Connecting Threads, ARC thread and several other "off" brands. I use inexpensive thread that I have gotten by buying off Ebay for 30 or 40 spools of 1100 yds each for less than $100. Madeira is too pricey for me. Since the thread is shredding before you go very far, I really think most of your problem is the thread.

Most times I use the same thread in the top & bottom. But I do have a full case of bobbins if I want to just use the polyester bobbin thread. Neither causes any problems for me. I did the Goose Tracks with Batiks and used the Organ HAx130EB 80/12 embroidery machine needles. They are wonderful and last forever. I got them from All Brands in Baton Rouge.

Second problem.... Most machines have a screw in the back of where the lever take up is. If you find one, unscrew it and you can probably slide the cover off the take up lever to do any clean-up or maintenance you want to.

Thanks for the info Barb, did you wash your batiks before starting? Also, did you do a batik backing with the quilting stitches? I'm determined to figure this out. I plan to start again tomorrow. I will have to look for that screw on my Ellagio, I don't want to mess with the Ellisimo since I'm just borrowing it. Thanks so much for your response! -Paula

I never pre-wash. One of these days I'm going to wash something I've made and have major colors everywhere, but so far Color Catchers and I are best friends. I didn't use a batik back. I used a regular cotton, although my friend did use a batik and had no problem with hers. She has made several of the Hoopsisters patterns and 3 I know were batik backs. No problems. She did the Queen Feathered star on her Ellisimo and I was with her for a lot of it. Her machine chugged through it. She uses all different brands of thread, about like I do.

I am really looking forward to finding out what works for you. As a side note. If I ever do another Hoopsisters, I don't think I am going to put a backing on each piece. It will be so much easier to join all the pieces and add a backing after the fact. I am thinking that I would used invisible thread and just do a stitch in the ditch.

Thanks so much Barb, now I feel like there is hope for me. Once I figure it out i will post my solution.

I would love to know the final outcome, did you solve the problem. I am starting the class in January and would like to learn all I can before I begin. Thanks

You seem to be exhausting all avenues, so I can only make a couple more suggestions.
A needle with the largest eye possible. Wash the batik well in hot water, hopefully to soften. Turn the thread spool/cone upside down, it may remove the twist. If all else fails, try a good dose of silicone spray on the spool/cone. It will lubricate the thread, and will not stain the fabric. I have done this several times both on poly and cotton thread and it's worked miracles. I get mine at the hardward store, cheaper than the LQS (and some don't stock it). If that seems unbelievable, try it on scrap pieces first.
Love to know how you solve this problem.

Hi Nancybugs, Unfortunately I was never able to solve the problem. I ended up turning all the supplies back into the quilt shop. I don't know if they ended up having anyone else work on it or not. It was a huge blow to my 'sewing self esteem' I can tell you. I have embroidered a bunch of other things since then using the same thread and have had sporadic issues, although I believe my machine absolutely hates anything but Finishing Touch bobbin thread. I hope you do not have the same issues as me, other ladies have responded that they didn't have these issues using the batiks. Good luck to you! It is a truly a magnificent and beautiful quilt. ~Paula

Hi Paula, I wondered about the bobbin. As I understand this so far you use the same thread in the bobbin as the top. I use a 40 wt in the top and a 60 wt in the bobbin. I have thought this may be a problem, I will soon find out. I am so sorry you had to return yours, would you consider trying again? Thank you for your help. Nancy

i have used a lighter weight but same coloured thread in my bobbin for hoopsister projects. the idea is to make the back look as nice as the front and not give myself conniptions :-). it has worked out quite well for me and i seem to pick out mostly batiks for my projects.

That has made me feel better about this project. Sometimes I study to much and scare myself. Thank you, Nancy