Make sure your thread is not catching on something as it comes off the spools.

Definitely rethread first and if it doesn't help, see if you can find a needle specifically for knits. I work for a tailor and we have no end of trouble with stretch fabrics, especially thick stretch denims and twills. A ballpoint needle helps a lot since the point doesn't catch on the stretch stuff.

Thanks for the suggestions...I'll give them both a try.

Kathie

Try different colors of thread & as you adjust your tension you can see which looks off. Once it looks right, change the color to what you need. I broke a needle & had a burr on my throat plate that caused a problem similar to yours. I filed off with an embry board.

I mentioned a thread jam because I once had a sticky label from the thread spool that was sticking up and catching the thread. It would release after a little pressure, then catch again as the next layer rolled off. Those intermittent problems are the hardest to find.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I rethreaded the loopers and the needles, changed the needle and now everything seems fine. I never found out what was causing the problem but it is fine now, so it remains a mystery.

Thanks again. kathie