I totally agree with Janet about too tight in the hoop can cause bent needles. I was having a terrible time as well with bending needles. Then I discovered Roxanne needles and love, love, love them! I use #11 between of Roxanne brand. The Roxanne needles seem a bit heavier and they have a larger eye, although I still need my magnifying glass that is attached to my Ott lamp in order to thread them. They also stay nice and sharp. It takes me a really long time to bend Roxanne needles and it is usually because I am trying to load to many stitches on it going through a curve.