thanks for all the comments / suggestions. I don't think I can adjust the top / bottom tension individually. My machine is all computerized. I have adjusted the tension somewhat, and it didn't make any difference in thread breakage BUT it did cause me to have those loops on the back of the quilt that I never had before LOL (go figure)
I tried using rayon thread with a ball point needle (I have been reading EVERYTHING I can find on line) and lo and behold my thread never broke once ... very bizarre
I will certainly try some of the other suggestions ... thanks so much