Q:

What do I do if my needle keeps breaking?

A:

It is important that the needle is going into the shaft/holder in the proper direction - typically with the flat side of the needle to the back of the machine.

Next examine the machine to observe if there is really a needle placement selector (right, center, left).

Next set the placement to center.

By hand, turn the hand wheel and observe to see if the needle is hitting the presser foot, bobbin case needle plate, or bobbin.

If the presser foot or needle plate is being hit by the needle, take the needle out and change the position from the flat side and try again.

If it's hitting the bobbin or the bobbin case, reinstall them so they are correctly in position.

If the needle is clearing all and catching the bobbin thread and the needle is still breaking, you don't have a sturdy enough needle select a larger needle which can accommodate heavier fabric.

When proceeding over heavy seams like jeans, the presser foot tips up inside the front and this sometimes will cause a needle to break. Cease the machine when the foot tips. Lower the needle into the fabric. Lift the foot and place a rolled up scrap under the back on the foot. Lower the foot. The scrap will hold the foot even as you finish sewing across the seam.