I definitely agree with the new needle and lightweight stabilizer advice you are getting in the replies. There are several types of stabilizer available. I find it a pain to tear away the stabilizer since it sometimes will distort what had been perfect stitches. Some stabilizers are meant to be left in the fabric so I often will use that type dependent on where the stitching is. There also is a type that disintegrates when ironed--very nice if the thread can take the heat. Especially nice with intricate stitches that would hold on to little bits of the tear away. Investigate your stabilizer options--lots available on the market.