I've been fiddling with kilt making for nearly as long as I've been wearing kilts - 3 years. I've used four different machines and have a common problem. Obviously if the problem follows me to each machine, it must be something I am doing. The problem is this: invariably, when I am sewing through multiple layers such as adding the waistband or belt loops or straps and buckles, I tend to get a birdsnest of thread on the underside of the material. I have cleaned and adjusted the machines and fiddled with thread tension and stitch size. It seems to happen the most when I go back and forth to really tack something down.

It's hard to find a sensible plain guide to using a sewing machine - what size stitches, thread, needles and rules of thumb when choosing. I'm using various types of materials and the problem seems worse with heavier materials like denim and canvas.

What am I doing wrong? Should I not be using "home" sewing machines to do denim and canvas? Is there a good, common sense guide to using sewing machines out there?

Thanks in advance for any advice given.

Dale