hmmmm, when i fill a bobbin on top i hold the end of the thread i've put through the hole in the bobbin top until the thread has gone around the bobbin at least three or four times, stop and trim the thread, then continue filling.

so far, no problems. i have a MC4800

I use Superior Threads pre-wound bobbins in both my Jems: Gold and Platinum, no trouble
http://www.superiorthreads.com

I've switched to the Memory Craft and IT has no problems with those bobbins. I think it's the AQS. There are times I wish I had never bought it. My husband bought it for me to take to quilt class because the MC is so much heavier. He's been wanting to get a Featherweight for me, maybe I should let him and take that to class!

I have to say, this trouble with the bobbins is making me think twice about a Janome embroidery machine. When I visit the dealer after Christmas, I think I'll ask them about this bobbin trouble. If I get a good answer, I'll let you all know.

I dont have a problem either with my 6600 - but the manual does advise against using the bobbin right down to the end of the thread and saying there could be this sort of problem when there is hardly any thread left on the bobbin. 10% remaining is alot though.
Mine will sew fine until its all used.

I have this problem too. After I get the warning that the bobbin is almost out, I watch really close and stop the machine just the minute it gets caught. If I don't it affects the bobbin case and I've messed up 3 or 4 and had to buy new ones. The problem is with the little end thread that is first wound on the bobbin. it starts getting stuck and the machine tries to use it as well as the thread it should be using. If I am machine embroidering, whenever it tells me the bobbin is about out, I immediately put in a new one and use the small ends for straight stitching when I can watch and stop it the minute the little end starts to get caught up with the other thread. This happens with the prewound bobbins as well as the ones I wind myself.

Have you tried using the little teflon disks in
that go in the bobbin case? I think they're called Little Genie magic bobbin washers or something like that. They're supposed to cure all bobbin woes. Just wondering.

my friend uses them and has offered to give me one to try. I kekep forgetting to ask her for one to try before I buy some. She says they work wonders for her.

I've never heard of them, can you buy them at Joanns?

I have had my 6600 for almost a year and have done a lot of sewing and have never had a problem. Now thinking about getting the MC11000SE so I can start embroidery

You need to go to a quilt shop to find them.