How To Change The Needle On A Sewing Machine

Skipped stitches, broken needles, 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:

1. I check my needle
2. 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 owner's manual, refer to it.

1. Place a piece of fabric or paper on top of the needle plate/under the presser foot.
2. Turn the hand wheel towards you until the needle is in the highest position
3. 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.
4. The old needle should come out (take care when throwing away needles)
5. With the flat side of the needle facing the back, insert the new needle to the top of the needle stopper (viewing window) in the needle clamp. Use a screwdriver to tighten the needle clamp screw securely.

How Often Do I Need To Change The Needle?

If you've never changed the needle on your sewing machine, now is the time. If you can't remember the last time you changed it, now is 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 or nicks or if 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.