I've got a Babylock Imagine but never had trouble with the needles breaking. Looked at my manual and it's not something they offer advice on - which is weird. Looked at their website and it wasn't any help either. Did you get it from a dealer? Maybe call them tomorrow if you can. Every time I thread mine or change a needle , I have to look at my manual. Seems like it is rather particular as far as this needs to be set a certain way, this needs to be another way. I've never used it a lot until lately but find myself going to it more and more. It is a really nice sewing machine. If I had a memory, it would help. LOL. I know the flat part of the needle faces the back. Maybe it isn't pushed up into the little socket far enough? That's all I can think of. Not much help. Sorry about that. Hope you get it going. We are right outside of Pensacola - just a few miles into AL.