They recommend using all metal pins with a small head when stitching over them, and they have to be stitched straight across. The ones with colored heads or pearly shine aren't ideal for some reason. The only times I have bent or broken needled was when I sewed too fast. I didn't know the hinged presser foot had anything to do with this, I thought it was for easing over bumpy seams? I think the oldest 99s with hinged foot are from the 1940s. All 201s I have seen have had the hinged foot. I don't think the flexible needles were common until after 1960, they make all the difference for this. It should be no problen on a 99. I have used the old type Singer needle, pre WWII, you just can't do it reliably with them.
Last edited by Mickey2; 07-09-2018 at 05:45 PM.