Hey sewers and quilters! How often do you change your sewing machine needle? Just curious. I've heard it said that one should change her needle every time she finishes a project and starts another one. That doesn't quite work for me since I seem to start way more projects than I finish. Also, I don't see the sense in throwing away a needle that still sews perfectly well.
But this morning I figured it was time for a change when my needle commenced dragging and snagging and pulling. My seams were definitely not looking good. So out with the old and in with the new, and old Bernice sews like a charm again.
I think I know why the old needle (and I do mean old) became dysfunctional. Yesterday I repaired a pair of khaki short for Jesse that he had ripped the entire rear end out of when he somehow fell off a truck at work and caught his shorts of something. (I didn't quite get all the details.) But anyway, there he hung until he was able to extricate himself and get on the ground. He had to spend the rest of the day with the seat of his pants ripped out.
"Good thing I didn't wear my thong," he told his coworkers.
It was a fairly new pair of shorts and a fairly straight rip, so I decided to try and repair them. My work looks pretty good, but I told Jesse he'd best not wear them to work again until he knows how the repair work was going to hold up.
Anyway how that sordid tale relates to my dull sewing machine needle is that portions of the shorts that I had to sew through were very thick, and the needle didn't want to sew through them. I'm sure that is what dulled the needle. I can't even remember when was the last time I changed Bernice's needle. I'm not one to give up on a tool as long as it has life in it.
Granny No. 71
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On 07/26/2013, Deb said ...
I do change my needle every time I start a new quilt, but I don't have many UFO's - I don't start a new project until I finish the one I'm working on. I use Schmetz sharp needles in a 70/10 size.
On 07/26/2013, Gloria said ...
I sat in on a class recently about needles and threads and pins. The gist of it is that we should change our needles more often than we do and when you compare the cost of a needle to the cost of your machine, it makes sense. Also it was recommended that we not use an Universal needle but use a Schmetz Microtex (sharp) needle in size 12 for piecing. I did purchase some of the microtex needles but I have plenty of Schmetz Universal needles left to use up....I think my stitching has been more even with microtex needles. Maybe I will use the universal needles for mending, thinks that are not so important to me...because I can't bear to waste the needles. Also need to clean and oil my machine more often, which I am doing. Aurfil thread was recommended but it is pricey. I am trying one spool to see the difference.
On 07/26/2013, Barbara Anne said ...
I'm with you on lots of starts and few finishes, so many UFOs. I don't change my needle unless I'm working on thicker fabric (like jeans or canvas) or unless it begins making large holes or indicates it's dull some other way. I use Bernina 11/75 or Schmetz 12/80 and I do keep spares.
I use a jeans needle (Schmetz #110-18) for sewing denim and a Jeans-A-Ma-Jig gizmo to go over those bulky seams.
About 18 years ago I was visiting my mother here in Richmond and helped her move to a new home. She needed some new throw pillows for her new den so I offered to make them. Her New Home machine (new in about 1940) needle was making large holes in the fabric so I asked when she'd last changed the needle. Her answer - "Never, because the needle never broke." We finally found a shop with needles to fit her machine and I bought 4 needles, enough for 4 more lifetimes!! Mom was aghast!
Hugs!
On 07/26/2013, Jan said ...
I read somewhere that you should change your needle every 8 (eight) hours of sewing. I always have too many projects going to change with each project. It seems wasteful to change that often, but it makes a difference.
On 07/26/2013, Lisa F. said ...
I was told to change needles every 8 hours of sewing. I can tell that I need to change needles when I hear a popping sound when I sew.
On 07/26/2013, Sue, the Florida Farm Girl said ...
I'm guilty of dong the same thing! Probably should change more often.
On 07/26/2013, Teresa said ...
I change my needle every time I start a new quilt for sure. I sometimes leave the old one in after I finish a quilt if it seems good enough for misc. mending, but if the stitches aren't even or the thread makes a popping noise, then I change it. Would rather have a good sharp needle than funny stitches!
On 07/27/2013, Peggy said ...
I also change my needle when I start a new quilt (or after I give up on 2 or 3 LOL) but I also wonder how people dispose of their old needles. I hate to just throw it in the trash and take a chance of someone being stuck. Any suggestions???
On 07/27/2013, Sheryl Colle said ...
I keep mine in an old empty prescription bottle - one that has a cap that is hard to get into, in case a grandchild might get a hold of it. So far I've never had to get rid of it, since it has room for a LOT of needles. I guess someday when I'm gone and my kids go through all my things, they will have to decide what to do with it. :)
On 07/27/2013, Sheryl Colle said ...
I change me needle depending on the project I'm working on. Embroidery - embroidery needle; quilting - quilting needle, etc. The problem is what to do with the good needle I just took out of the machine. I've seen directions for making one of those needle holders. I really need to make one, but have just procrastinated.
On 07/27/2013, Linda said ...
I really like the microtex needles, too, but some time ago, I decided that I should 'use up' all the non-microtex needles labeled as quilting needles. Recently, my machine seemed louder as I sewed along and I knew that it was time for a new needle. Instead of replacing it at that inconvenient time, I took a few stitches on the Innovations Needle Release pad. Now it is sewing quietly as a new needle. Not sure how this pad works. Perhaps is like an emery cloth that cleans/shines the needle, allowing it to more easily slide between the fabric threads. I've had the pad for years; not sure whether the product is still available.
On 07/27/2013, Jan S. said ...
My needle gets changed, and my Featherweight oiled when I'm noticing the sound. The machine is so quiet when freshly oiled, and the stitching is quiet with a new needle. Just like rotary cutting blades, they get changed when they get a nick, or I'm pressing too hard. Oh, I like the sharps, too. The quilting needles are good, but more pricey.
(btw, I read Joyland, too, and wasn't thrilled. I liked the main character, but the story was ho-hum. Really enjoy your reviews!)
On 07/29/2013, Karen in Michigan said ...
I sew mostly garments and home dec sorts of things like pillows and valances. I don't sew nearly as much as I used to. I change my needle according to the fabric and I like the Schmetz universals best. We used those in the tailor shop. I still have a boatload of Singer packages, mostly size 16s left over from an assortment. I confess I should change my needle more often than I do, but as I said, I don't sew like I used to. I have started sewing again lately, though . . . :)
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