I was ready to go out and buy some HLx5 needles since they have a flat side, but since it is for a different model, I'll stay with the DBx. This is the first Janome I have ever had, and I am very disappointed. Other models are probably okay, but this is really beyond home use. If the quilt isn't too big I just quilt it on my Bernina. I hope maybe things will eventually settle in. Thanks for all the input.