I also broke a needle (16) today while sewing the pillow onto the quilt. Is that an indication that I need a larger needle?

Broken needles happen for a variety of reasons, in your case I doubt that it is too small. Needles can break for lots or reasons, like it's hitting the bunched up threads or getting caught up in them. It could have a burr that you don't even see, and it could be defective.

Is the thread balling up under the needle plate?
If so, the machine is not threaded correctly, or the top tension is too LOW.

Whether it is the thread, the needle, or the layers is only a matter of figuring out which. Tension is simply a balancing act between these factors. So the first thing. Make absolutely sure the machine is threaded correctly. That is an easy thing to mistake. Get out the manual and double check. Find a needle that fits your thread, make sure the needle is inserted in the correct direction and that the thread path through it is correct. For instance on my Bernina the thread goes through the needle from the front, on very old Singer I have the thread comes from the back through the eye of the needle. Once you are certain that the machine is threaded correctly, then test stitch on some other fabric. If that works, then you know it is not your machine. If there is still looping or birdnesting then the tension on top is too loose, adjust the tension and keep testing. Once everything looks good, try the layers most likely with the walking foot on for best results.

Let us know what happens.

Have you checked the tension on your bobbin? You may have knocked it out of whack.

if need be, get some paper and put that over the area you want to sew. since it's the bobbin, try pinning it on either side of the area to sew. it should help and then you can tear it away. worked for me on the top of something i was having trouble with. perhaps it will work with the bobbin thread too.

LOOKEY :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: what I just found as I was cleaning out my sewing closet!!

Are you trying to sew a pillow to a quilt? If you do that you can't lay on the pillow and cover up with the quilt at the same time.

A quillow on the other hand, is a quilt with a pocket so the quilt folds up into a pillow.

I am making a quillow. I have the quilt sewn, but when I tried to sew the pillow onto the quilt, it must have been too thick and now the bobbin is bunched up. I also broke the presser foot lifter while I was trying to fit all the layers under the foot. so until the machine can be repaired at Joann's in 2 weeks, the project is on hold. my machine and I usually end up doing battle. sigh....

you might try holding on to the needle and bobbin thread when you start a new seam sometimes the thread will get pulled to the bottom and make a nest I have done this for years no matter what kind of machine I have.

I checked my manual and it said the same thing. I was holding onto both threads so that isn't the problem, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded of it. :P

While your machine is in for repair will they check out your tension and make sure the machine is sewing OK?