Yes! Get the big wide quilting ruler out of the clear plastic, too, maybe even a long metal ruler with a cork back. These make cutting with a rotary cutter a breeze! It will change your life!

This IS great! Thanks Michelle!

Um, thank you so much for this, Jamie! This is SO helpful!!!! ;}

Rule of thumb when you start to have thread problems – “if it’s messing up on the bottom the problem is something on the top, and vice versa.”

If your bobbin thread is “spider webbing” or tangling try these steps in order:

1. Rethread the top of the machine to make sure nothing has come out of place.
2. Change the machine needle.
3. Try a new spool of thread. Thread does weaken over time especially if left in direct light.
4. Make sure your bobbin is wound evenly, is threaded properly and unwinding in the right direction.
5. Adjusting tension is your VERY LAST resort – most machines handle this automatically.

Some of my other favorites – if your project becomes frustrating, walk away. Never sew when tired. Most everything can fixed except a wrong cut fabric and it’s your last piece. Save working with knit febrics until you become confident with basic 100% cottons.

Hey Tineke! I am actually having the same trouble now. I would guess it’s adjusted on the side where you can move your needle up and down. I disassembled our sewing machine just last night because it jammed. It is so frustrating! I would recommend googling it by the brand of your sewing machine. It is so frustrating, though. I am with you!

Amen to that… This is why I continually come back for more!