Needle problems

I have noticed lately that my needle seems to be having trouble puncturing the material.  I thought that maybe it was time to change it, so I did.  However, it still seems to be having trouble though it is a new needle of appropriate size and I am using prewashed shirting material.  The needle seems to be pushing the fabric down a bit before puncturing it.  Does that make sense?  Any ideas.  I have a Viking machine.

Try starching the fabric.

Are you using sharp needles?  You might want to double check and replace your needle with sharps instead of the universal.  The sharps usually have a purple band.

Ah, I am using the universal.  I will have to look into sharps.  Thanks!

What type of fabric are you sewing? If it is on the delicate or sheer side, an you have  a throat plate on that accomodates a zig-zag stitch, swapping the plate out for one designed only for straight stitching (it will have only a small hole for the needle to go down through instead of a longer oval) may help. Some machines come with the extra plate for this purpose. Or, you can sitch the seam with a piece of tissue paper under your fabric, which then easily tears away when the seam is sewn.

The fabric is a cotton shirting that is about quilting cotton weight.  That's what has me confused because I have used the same needles and similar fabrics for a long time and this is a new problem.  I will try all the suggestions though as soon as I can get to the store.  I don't have the sharps or starch in the house.  I do have tissue paper though...