I'm not exactly sure if there is a name for the problem I'm having but will try to explain. When I get to the end of a piece, and snip the ends of the threads, I end up with an extra thread coming from the bobbin case. It's not attached to anything but then I have to figure out which one is attached to the bobbin and which one isn't. Does that make sense? What causes that?

sounds like you're not raising your needle to yhe max and are cutting the loop that is made when stitching

Sounds like it to me too.

Instead of cutting your thread you can use leaders and enders.
This website explains it very clearly. I use it all the time. Sure saves a
lot of thread and no thread nests. :)
http://www.quiltville.com/leadersenders.shtml

I was also getting the same thing you describe when I set up my old Singer 503A for piecing. Started using the leaders and enders method and no more problems.

Thanks for your replies. I'm going to start using the leaders and enders method.

You sure nailed this one! :thumbup: When I started making a conscious effort to have the needle at it's highest position before clipping the threads it solved the problem. I have been using the chain method for piecing but when I actually put the block together I like to see what each one looks like so if there's a seam that's not even I can fix it right then.