Renee I just took a FMQ class and before I did my thread kept breaking too. I found the secret to keeping your thread from breaking. 1st you should use the best quality thread you can afford since there is so much pressure being put on the thread in this process but the secret is...........put the pedal to the metal!!!! Make the machine go as fast as it can and control your hands at a more contrlooed speed. It takes some getting used to but it works. It is a bit nerve racking at first. Oh and even though your feed dogs are down put your stitch length at 0.0. That way the machine timing is turned off and it will go faster still. It works try it with a practice peice. Once you get the hang of it, it is fun. Oh one more thing your needle is important. She told us not to use the universal needles.