I have the Little Gracie 2 and a Janomme 1600p machine. I could not control the speed and my stitches were terrible looking, I finally bought the sure stitch stitch regulator and would not be without it. I use the So Fine Superior thread and also have used the Isacord Embroidery thread. I too was having lots of thread breakage until I switched threads. I had lots of trouble with my machine skipping stitches sometimes it would skip an inch long. Found out it was my stitch regulator, was sent a new one and all is great now. I also upgraded to the metal handles. The only thing i don't like is not enough throat space. (Have to roll Quilt after each row.) I can't afford anything better at this time so it works for me.