This message was posted by HERB on AmayaUsers.com. PLEASE DO NOT REPLY VIA EMAIL. Instead, respond to the thread on the WEBSITE by clicking here: http://www.amayausers.com/boards/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/topic/1/1345.html#000006 MY Opinion.... Look at the weave of the strap material. When the needle enters this weave, it can very easily deflect, missing the hole in the needle plate. Instant needle break. Happens more often during a curve in the lettering. Also notice how the colums in the curve appear deformed. The thicker the material, the more exagerated the problem. Use the biggest needle you have. Use a sharp, not a ball. Slow the machine down, 6-7 hundred is not uncommon. You dont say how you are hooping but this can also create some problems for you. Don't blame the machine. You just need to find the combination that allows it to do what you ask. =========================================================== The AmayaUsers Mailing List Website: http://www.amayausers.com Discussion Board: http://www.amayausers.com/boards Subscribe/Unsubscribe: http://www.amayausers.com/list ===========================================================