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. 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 looper assembly may also include an air nozzle that urges the thread away from the adjuster after the thread has been cut. The thread passes through a thread tension monitor that monitors tension in the thread. The tension monitor includes a lift arm that selectively disables the tension monitor so that a loss of tension in the sewing head does not shut down the quilting machine.