I have a Gammill.10 years old. The needle does not have a flat side like domestics do. If I get it in not completely centered it will shred and break the thread. The eye has to face completely center. To HELP I put a tiny speck of nail polish on my foot and line my needle up with that speck. It has to be exactly right or it will shred and break the thread.
I hope this works for you.