Originally Posted by DebbyT

Your problem mirrors mine when I started with my Brother 1500s, on a Gracie II frame. I talked to the dealer and was advised to lower the fabric to lay on the machine. You mentioned the popping sound. I had that too. When I lowered the fabric to lay directly on the machine, it stopped, and the needles stopped breaking. Your roll up rod setting in the throat of the machine should roll so the fabric is clockwise looking to the left. Verify that you are inserting the needle properly.