I started this post 1 1/2 years ago and found out it was my own fault for the thread breaking. I was using too small of a needle. That was the problem all along. I don't need cones. I just need the right size needle to match the thread. Duh! I have had no problems since Tom, the dealer, put a bigger needle in my machine. I love my Bernina 830 now and would not sell it back to the company even if they begged!!