Thank you....will try all these ideas! I have gotten up to a denim needle and a 16, but will try a leather needle, or an 18, or a metallic needle till I find what works. Will also try a different thread, even if it means ripping out the two I have done in order to get matching thread. It is such a cute purse (have seen two samples) I will keep at it till I win! My Pfaff is better for it than my Bernina because it has a wider zigzag. I will post a pic when I get somewhere with it, and my ultimate solution. Thanks again, everyone!