I change my needle at the start of a new project. Learned it the hard way that pushing a needle beyond its use is just asking for problems. I have also been trying to be aware of what I'm asking of the needle and put the correct size in and I'm happy to say that it has prevented much frustration. I found that trying to sew denim with the wrong needle is just asking for a headache so I switch and it has made me a much happier sewer. Also use thread designed for denim and I love it!