I change my needle every time I start a new project,nothing like a nice sharp needle to make your sewing go nice and smooth. And I also clean my machine after every project,anywhere you can get to clean the lint,it's very important. I have never had my machine in and it's going on 6 years now. I have a Viking. Take real good care of your machine and it will last you a long time. Have fun and most of all enjoy sewing.