It's always a good idea to start any new project with a new needle - and to change the needle after several hours of work. Recently I had trouble with the needle magically "unthreading" - I was really really frustrating - my husband checked the needle and said it must be broken cuz there was an opening in the eye - - - I checked the needle package and to my surprise I had Self Threading Needles - They just don't stay threaded while sewing!! Can't recommend them :)