another basic question

Your upper (needle) tension is too loose. Floss between the tension disks with some thicker smooth cotton thread (or several strands twisted together), and re-thread WITH THE PRESSER FOOT UP. Pu the presser foot down after threading, and try again. You may have to adjust the tension.

I gotta say, this is one of my most despised problems and I get it all the time. It's most definitely related to improper tension but sometimes I get it when I pull the fabric past the needle too quickly. And it's aggravated when I'm using the wrong size or type of needle, which is all tied up with the tension anyway. Just thought you'd like to know that you're not alone!

Pora "Frequently Loopy" Park

If you have a machine where the thread goes into the takup lever by sliding it into an opening, and you can't easily see the take up lever (my Viking's is all but hidden) it may be due to thread having jumped out of the take up lever and you're not knowing it. This just happened to me -- same symptom with lower loops!

-Irene

-------------- You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.=20

--Mae West=20

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Thread nests have a number of different causes. The machine model as well as the hook type and tension mechanisms can all play a roll in the problem. IIRC, rotary hook machines are less prone to have thread nests than shuttle or oscillating types. Some things to consider:

1. Be sure to bring up the bobbin thread if appropriate for your machine type and hold the threads for the first few stitches.
2. For certain types of machines, you can take a piece of thin muslin, fold it, and, holding it taut, glide the thin folded edge through the tension discs to dislodge any pieces of thread or lint caught there. You should definitely use the method recommended in your manual. Also be sure to have your machine serviced at least annually whether you use it or not. Oil looses its ability to lubricate properly as it gets old.
3. Though this may not apply to you, people who use cheap, linty thread, tend to experience this problem a lot. Make sure you always use the most lint-free thread you can afford. In some machines, this can make a huge difference.
4. Be sure that your presser foot is in the recommended position when you thread the machine. In most machines, the tension is disengaged when the presser foot is lifted. If the thread is not properly seated in all places along the threading path, it can easily jump out of the uptake lever in many machines. On one of my machines, I have to thread it with the tension disengaged but for the very last thread guide, I have to lower the presser foot and snap the thread into position in that last guide. Slippery threads can also aggravate this problem.
5. Try a different bobbin with a different thread. If that works, either the thread or the bobbin is the problem. Cheap bobbins including the cardboard ones, appearing more frequently these days, are sometimes a problem. I recall someone getting an entire pack of mis-engineered bobbins.
6. Clean out the bobbin area thoroughly as instructed in your manual. Take as much apart as you're supposed to and suck out the lint and dust