Skipped stitches, broken needle, thread breaking and uneven stitches, what do they all have in common? They can all be signs that you need to change your needle.
Whenever I'm having any type of issue with my machine I do two things:
- I check my needle
- I rethread it.
Seriously, those two things will take care of the majority of issues that come up when sewing. I'd say more than 50% of the time it's the needle.
How To Change the Needle on A Sewing Machine
Changing the needle on a sewing machine is quick and painless! If you have your owners manual refer to it.
- Place a piece of fabric or paper on top of the needle plate/under the presser foot
- Turn the hand wheel towards you until the needle is in the highest position
- Take hold of the needle with one hand and Use the screwdriver to turn the screw toward the front of the machine and loosen the screw. Remove the needle.
- The old needle should come out (take care when throwing away needles)
- With the flat side of the needle facing the back, insert the new needle all the way to the top of the needle stopper (viewing window) in the needle clamp. Use a screwdriver to securely tighten the needle clamp screw.
How Often Do I Need To Change The Needle?
If you've never changed the needle on your sewing machine nows the time. If you can't remember the last time you changed it, nows the time.
Most needle and sewing machine companies agree that after about every 8 hours of sewing you need to change the needle. The needle should also e changed if you notice any burs, nicks or it becomes bent. I also change mine after working with coarse fabric.
Never sew with a bent needle. A bent needle will easily break and may cause injury to you and the machine.
If you're not sure how to choose the correct needle for your projects then be sure to read our post: How to Choose the Correct Sewing Machine Needle.
So crazy because last night I was wondering if I wanted to buy one in the near future to create some DIY
A new needle every 8 hours of sewing? Wow, that seems pretty frequent! I had no idea. I will have to watch for that, as I generally only change it if it breaks, bends, or otherwise shows obvious signs of wear.
Very helpful post. I used to sew but I haven’t for years now. It was kinda fun.
I dont sew at all, so these sounds like some good tips to me!
Thank you for great tips!
I'm really glad I found your blog because I recently bought a sewing machine to do some DIY projects! Awesome content !
I find it hard to use sewing machine, especially when you change the needle and with your tips, it looks like easier now.
Really great tips, thank you 🙂
I follow your site and its really helpful for all . Definitely great tips .
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