Sewing machine help please

[BlueCowWonders]

Quick Q -why does my top thread keep breaking?
Can't find my instruction manual ☹️ I keep telling myself it's a very simple fix...
Thanks

Have a Google for the instruction manual, I found one for my old 1980s Janome online! Is it threaded correctly? Have you tried playing with the tension? Tried using different threads?

It will be thread, threading, needle, tension or bobbin issue. Is the thread rotted old 100% cotton aka cheap. Do you have the thread in upside down (yes thread has a grain). But usually it’s threading. Look online for videos. What type of machine?

Top tension too tight - look up how to check your tension online by comparing top and bottom stitch.
Needle slightly bent and cutting thread
Bottom thread catching in shuttle if it is dirty or has a snarl - take that apart and clean lint out underneath
Cheap thread
Black thread dye rota and weakens the fibre so if your thread is old (3+ years) it could be that.

Probably either tension too tight, old thread, or needs completely rethreading.

As above - but cheap thread is often the culprit. What model is your machine?

I'd guess top tension too. Do you have a little wheel with numbers around the top of your machine? What is it set to?

So many answers, thank you!
I've been merrily sewing all afternoon so I imagine it's not a type of thread/ fabric issue
I've just put in a new needle and the top thread has broken again. Always about 6 stitches in.
Not sure how to adjust the top tension
It's an Alfa machine, probably more than 40 years old...

Oh, just saw Torysucks' reply!

Model number?

I think the tension is on 7. It goes from 0-9

Alfa 950 is the machine/ model

Are you threading with the presser foot down? Apparently that can affect the tension and cause problems.

Generally the tension should be between 2 and 2 1/2. But over the decades adjusted up rather than being serviced.

Here you go

https://www.alfahogar.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/manualnext-30040ingles.pdf

If you go the end it has a troubleshooting guide

It worked!
Thank you all for all the help. Tried it all - face mask for DH now done