Well the size 14 needle took care of it. Thanks!! I thought 12 was the multi-purpose size but I guess I was wrong.

Thanks to all who contributed. Much appreciated.

I used to use size 11 for everything but suddenly had thread shedding. Switched to 14 and no problems with stitch quality or thread shedding. Glad you worked it out!

Interesting......

Love your avatar. Is that a real machine?

It is. It's a Janome sew mini. I use it for papercrafts but it's so cute I had to take a pic. lol

I wonder what size thread you are using it looks like a heavy thread that may be why a bigger needle helped

I'll look into that. You are right, that thread did seem heavier than usual but I didn't give it any thought. Thanks!!

Glad the size 14 needle helped.

Your upper tension is too loose.

FWIW...depending on where in Central NJ you are located....there is a fantastic OSMG in Bordentown, NJ. If that is near to you and you want contact info, let me know.

I would definitely rethread the top and also bobbin sometimes that is all it takes. I was under the impression that if it is the bottom stiches that look bad it is the top tension that needs tightened. I could be wrong.