Hi Cheri, I too have a Design-A-Quilt. When mine was acting up after I got it and set it up, It was because I hadn't secured the thread post above the machine with a small set screw. After that and getting it threaded correctly, (make sure bobbin is inserted correctly) I found I was so lost in it that the bobbins didn't appear to hold any thread. I make trips to cloud nine when thinking deeply, and the time just flew. I would like to keep in touch and see how you are making out with it.