I have two Brothers and they are great. Have you ever used the stitches before? Read the manual it will solve 99% of your issues. I had tension problems when I was FMQ read the manual and I have to match the thread with the fabric with my new machine, my old one I didn't have to. There should be a trouble shoot section in the manual it could be anything from thread type, type of needle because different size needles are recommended for different stitches. I hope you solve I hate hitting a road bump in the middle of a project too!! Let us know!!