Welcome. When you begin sewing, put in a new needle. Then, every 8 hrs or so of sewing, change it. Needles are not a huge expense but make a huge difference. Also, if using a rotary cutter, change your blade if it seems dull. It will help your cutting mat last longer & easier on your wrist/cutting arm. Rotary blades are expensive but so are cutting mats & carpal tunnel surgery.