Maureen--Here are some things to try to make your sewing experience more pleasant:

First thing: Put in a brand-new needle. Damaged needles are probably the number one cause of a sewing machine issue. For some reason, sewists are very frugal with their needle supply. However, needles should be replaced frequently to achieve the best sewing result and the least problem. Needles are a very inexpensive "fix" for frustrating issues. Also, do NOT sew over pins. It will not only damage the needle and possibly knock the machine out of time but is also dangerous because broken needle pieces can fly a long distance--into your eye or elsewhere.

Try a different type thread. Old and inexpensive brands of thread can cause problems.

Clean any dust, lint, and thread pieces from the feed dogs and bobbin area. Be sure to oil your machine as recommended in your owner's manual. Use ONLY good quality sewing machine oil (not 3-in-1, grandma's old oil tin, WD-40, or cooking oil), and apply only one to two drops each spot as directed in your manual.

Clean the tension disks. Remove all the thread from the machine. Loosen the upper thread tension as much as possible, then gently pull a piece of UN-waxed dental floss or pearl cotton between the tension disks to clean them and remove any dust, lint, gunk, or pieces of thread. Do this several times to get everything removed that shouldn't belong.

Be sure to RAISE the presser foot BEFORE threading the upper thread (this releases the tension disks so the thread will seat properly).

Re-thread from the beginning verifying that it is threaded properly (consult your manual).

If your thread is globbing up under the fabric, you are probably experiencing thread nesting or birds nesting. Here's a handy web site:
Sewing Machine Thread Bunching Up Here Why

sewing machine birdnesting

Usually birdnesting occurs when the upper tension is too loose. Try tightening and then test.

If the upper thread is pulling the bobbin thread to the top of the fabric or is breaking while stitching, the tension is too tight. Try loosening and test.

The tension is correct when both, the upper thread and bobbin thread, meet in the middle of the fabric.

As a sewist, you will be using different weights of thread and fabric as well as different sizes and types of needles, so adjusting the upper tension to suit each circumstance should become second nature for you. This web site may be helpful when determining which needles to use for which project: All About Needles

Adjusting bobbin tension should be attempted only if you understand the consequences. Bobbin tension should be done only in small increments and you should be able to comfortably return it to the original setting.
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HANDY TIP: to help threading the needle's eye, instead of licking the end of the thread, lick your finger and then swipe it across the back side of the needle's eye. The moisture in the eye will draw the thread into place.

Hello Maureen, My only suggestion is to make sure the thread is threaded through the take up arm. I missed mine one day and caused a huge wreck.