My needle thread keeps breaking. It seems that the bobbin holder is also loose and flopping around. It makes this cha-chunk noise then the thread is broken, usually with the first stitch or two. What am I doing wrong? I've threaded and rethread everything. I've used this machine before at a friend's house, so I am familiar with how it should act and be threaded.

Make sure the correct length of needle is used and installed correctly. Sometimes it moves slightly out of the holder without falling out but just enough to affect the needle eye position which can cause this kind of problem. For thicker materials use either ball point or denim needles. As last resort the top thread tension might be too tight. Adjust the top thread tension.

breaking needles from hitting can be from several problems
1-- needle /hook timing is out
2--needle thread tension is too tight pulling needle side ways
thread caught around bobbin holder is top thread too loose
take it in for a service check as the needle /hook timing is complicated to adjust and the problem could be more complicated than suggested

The needle thread breaks
1. The needle thread is not threaded properly
2. The needle thread tension is too tight
3.the needle is bent or blunt
4. The needle is incorrectly inserted into the needle holder
5. The needle thread and the bobbin thread are not set under the presser foot when starting sewing
6. The threads were not drawn to the rear after sewing
7. The thread is either too heavy or too fine for the needle
Bobbin thread breaks
1. The bobbin thread is not threaded properly in the bobbin holder
2. Lint has collected in the bobbin holder
3. The bobbin is damaged and doesn't turn smoothly

While I know it can only go in 1 of two ways, maybe the problem isn't in how the bobbin is in, maybe it is the route of the thread.
My assumption is you don't seem to pick up the bobbin thread and it bunches. If so the carefully follow the thread to needle you may have by passed the place you put that thread so it maintains tension.
Check that carefully, sometimes that gets overlooked.

always make sure the needle is inserted correctly and all the way
up into the needle holder
try a different bobbin
make sure the bobbin is turned the right way in the bobbin case
make sure the bobbin case is inserted correctly in to the machine
if it's a front or side loading bobbin case
make sure the top thread has not come off the top thread take up
lever

Needle breaks
1.the needle is damaged
2.the needle is not correctly inserted
3.wrong size needle for the fabric
4.the wrong foot is attached
5.the needle clamp screw is loose
6. Top tension is too tight
7. Machine could be out of time

Have you got the needle in the correct way around - the thread must lie in the groove in the needle. Is the machine correctly threaded? Try release the tension a bit and check that the bobbin tension is not too loose and bunching up under the needle plate. The instructions for bobbin tension setting are:- Check that the thread is tight around the bobbin. Make sure that the bobbin is in the right way around - the bobbin thread should double back on itself coming out of the bobbin holder. The bobbin tension adjustment is the small screw in the plate on the bobbin case that the thread passes under as it comes off the bobbin and goes out. This might not be exactly the same as yours but should give you an idea of the position.

Change needle
Clean under needle plate where feed dogs are for lint
Clean bobbin area for lint or loose threads
Rethread machine top thread make sure to get every thread guide
& bobbin
Check tension 3 or 4 is usually good

if the bobbin is top loading they will flop around some when the start getting close to empty
if it's a bottom loading bobbin & case then it's not inserted correctly

try these suggestions
1.make sure the needle is in the needle holder correctly
2.check to see if the needle is in backwards
3.make sure the thread is not slipping off the take-up lever
4.check to make sure the bobbin is not warped
5.check for lint in & around the bobbin case
6.check for loose thread in or around the bobbin case

Try inserting the bobbin in the reverse direction. Most machines take a bobbin clockwise or counterclockwise and it can make a difference. Also try a new needle, a bad needle is often the problem believe it or not.

Hello,
Here are several things to try.

* When you insert your new needle, make sure it’s positioned correctly (usually with the flat side away from the bobbin, but consult your manual), that it goes all the way into the holder, and that the screw is securely tightened.


If there doesn’t seem to be a problem with your needle, try the following:

* Check your pressure foot and make sure it’s attached securely.


* Change your pressure foot Your pressure foot may be bent, causing your needle to hit it.


* Don’t sew over pins a needle that hits a pin can break. Always remove the pins from your fabric before they reach your needle.


* Don’t pull your fabric as you sew. You could be bending your needle back, causing it to hit your needle plate instead of going into the hole. Just guide your fabric, letting it feed on its own.


* Check your needle plate and make sure it's securely in position.


* Change your needle plate. If you’ve been using a straight stitch needle plate (a plate with a small hole, often used for sewing fine, delicate fabrics), switch to a needle plate with a wider hole.


* Check the position of your needle. Sewing machines with zigzag capability allow you to adjust the position of your needle – right, left, or center. If your needle is not positioned correctly, it may be hitting your needle plate or pressure foot.


* Un-thread your machine and remove your bobbin. Clean any loose thread or lint out of your
bobbin case. Re-thread your machine, reinsert and re-thread your bobbin.

* Change your bobbin. There could be a nick along the edge of your bobbin spool that’s catching your thread as you sew.

Also, before you start to sew a seam, hold the upper and bobbin thread tails. Hold them back
and out of the way as you sew your first couple of stitches. This will keep them from getting
caught in your machine.

I hope these solutions help you.