Originally Posted by
themadpatter
I have a feeling it has something to do with how the thread moved through the slot in the needle- is that the scarf? I don't recall.
The needle has an eye that the thread (obviously) goes through, but it also has a groove that runs down the length of the needle that the thread can sit in. It helps reduce the friction (and therefore shredding) on the thread as it moves quickly in and out of the fabric.
The video I posted in
this other thread stars a sewing machine tech who's been in the business for years, he shows detailed views of a sewing machine needle, along with great information about how to make adjustments for the issues the OP was dealing with.