I'm with you, true4uca. I have never had a problem with needles or thread in any on my machines (and I have a quite a few) if they are threaded correctly and the needles inserted properly. I have two Pfaffs, an Elna, 9 or 10 featherweights, a Genie, three 301's and I use any thread on any of them.

Be careful, the really cheap needles may have flaws that can weaken the needles causing the needles to snap.

any needle of any price can come off the assembly line with flaws. of course, manufacturers all have quality control procedures in place, but from a purely statistical standpoint, the odd flawed needle is bound to sneak past and make it into a package.

inexpensive does not automatically mean "cheap".

my machines will sew with just about any brand of needle. the automatic threaders, on the other hand, do not work with at least one particular brand. the wire doesn't line up properly with the needle eye.