Oh, yeah, I've broken 2!!! My stitches generally aren't as small as you probably use. I think it's poor workmanship. My first one lasted me 40 yrs and believe me, it had LOTS of work!!! The next 2 broke on me! Those were the ergo ones, with special handles, The one I have now is a lancet type. I rip the first few stitches then separate the seam (in your case, the paper and fabric) and but between the seam. That seems to help.