Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for quilting webs. A quilting machine includes a cutting edge, a looper from which thread is provided to form stitches, and an adjuster assembly that includes a plurality of selectable positions. The adjuster assembly extends an adjuster toward the thread between the looper and the retainer. When the adjuster is moved, a predetermined amount of thread is pulled away from the looper by the adjuster to provide a controlled length of thread between the looper and the cutting edge. The adjuster is configured to be moved to an intermediate selectable position prior to starting a quilting pattern, and from the intermediate position to another selectable position subsequent to starting the quilting pattern.