craftgrrl | Thread breaking after replacing needle...?

Hi! I am stuck and need some help. I looked online for a manual for my Kenmore 385.15516000, but couldn't find one. Anyway, I doubt a manual would help.

The problem is this: I was sewing away just fine all day until I took the needle out to clean it off. I put it back in and now the thread snaps on the first stitch - every time! I have no idea why. I have replaced many needles throughout my years of sewing and never had this happen before.

I even took the needle out that I had been using and put a brand new needle in, but the thread still breaks.

Any ideas of what could be the matter? Thank you very much for any suggestions you can give me.

EDIT: I fixed it! I just cleaned out the bobbin area real good and now it works fine. There must have been something down there that was catching the thread. Thank you all for your help!