it is the tension, both your top and bobbin tension. you need to adjust it. for example if you are using normal thread that sew find before, then once you change into thicker thread, and your thread would act up on you. you'd have to play with the tension, but if you have a drop-in bobbin, i suggest you don't play with your bobbin tension unless you have a extra one, always leave one with untouch setting, and use the extra one to play with your tension. if you don't have an extra bobbin for your drop in bobbin, then just get new thread. it's better to spend that extra few dollar on new thread. then spending hours playing with your tension settings. trust me. and thank me later. good luck. feel free to drop by my site. www.stitchcanada.com , www.sewinglife.info

Thanks for the luck, Nanna, goodness knows I need it. I'll make you laugh even further...I finally figured out how to really use the seam ripper after probably 20 minutes. For some reason I thought I had to take them out one at a time and I've got these tight little stiches and it wasn't working. I was getting so frustrated and concentrating so hard that when a friend walked in the door I jumped. Well, jumping showed me that all I needed to do was run the ripper down the seam...NOT trying to cut each stitch from the stitch side, but rather the "inside" of the seam. I'm not sure I'm explaining that very clearly...but I think you'll get the idea of what I was trying to do. But, I got home from work today and decided it looked good anyway. Hopefully I'll get them hung this weekend ~ I'll post a picture so you can see them in "their glory" up and looking useful. Thanks, again, for all your support!!! ~ Elizabeth

Thanks for the reply-I have a Kenmore 15408-I've noticed the needle does pick up the bobbin thread, but it stays down in the shutter. I pulled it out, had the needle thread thru the loop (just like the instructions). I start to sew and the needle thread is everywhere on the back of the fabric with the bobbin thread(more needle thread than bobbin thread) I have tried everything-cleaning,tighting(i have the needle thread tightend as far as it will go) loosening,replaced needle,cleaning shutter, everything. Its a brand new machine, I dont understand, maybe I should take it back to sears. I dont know. Anybody have a kenmore??? Any hints?? Thanks!!

At about 10:30 pm last night I got the needle threaded....dumb luck really. I had poked and prodded, and finally got the darn thing through. I wasted no time sewing the button on his pants before I lost my timing. So all is well, but I think I will go on a search for needles with a large eye. The one I was threading was for quilting, and they are tiny. I liked the suggestions of putting a white background behind the needle best. I would have never thought of that. I hate getting old and asking for help, but it is what it is...... Trin