Hooch,

If this is one of your first things sewn, make sure you are holding onto the top thread for the first couple of stiches. Most machines pull on that thread. It can gum things up on the first couple of stiches. Also make sure that the bottom thread is pulled out enough and in correctly. Things can get a little sketchy when you start changing the tensions, especially the bobbin tension.

On straps I usually end up using a higher tension than ripstop. If it helps I use a different color on it than the straps. That way I can visually check everything. I am starting to do that on everything load bearing after I noticed threads popping on my tarp.