If you are a beginner, cleaning and oiling your sewing machine is probably the last thing on your mind. But you should know that maintaining your device or will eventually start to break down or stop functioning correctly, leading to costly repairs. It is crucial you learn how to change sewing machine needles for this reason.
A sewing machine needle is a slender, pointed tool that moves through the fabric and pushes it out of its way. It is made from metal or plastic and has a sharp point to pierce the material. Sewing machines use one needle at a time, which can be changed when they get dull or break. Therefore, you have to know how to change the sewing machine needle to do that every time you need it.
Every time you sew, the needle of your sewing machine pierces fabric and thread in order to create a stitch. Over time, the needle will get dull and eventually break. When this happens, it can be challenging to get an even stitch or keep stitches from breaking on top of one another. If you notice that your machine is having difficulty moving smoothly while sewing, it’s likely because the needle needs to be changed. If you don’t change it regularly, your sewing will start to produce imperfections and eventually break down.
And these are all parts you will come over with us in this article:
- Some Information About The Sewing Machine
- All Tools You Need To Prepare Before Starting To Change The Needle
- Choosing The Right Needle Is One Of The Most Important Thing
- Start To Change Your Sewing Machine Needle
- Some Tips To Help You Use The Sewing Machine Better And More Durably
- FAQs About The Topic “How To Change Sewing Machine Needle”
- In General
Some Information About The Sewing Machine
The sewing machine is a type of needlework apparatus that sews by passing one or more threads through the eye of needles to form stitches. Sewing machines were invented during the 19th century, and new models are made every year to cater to different purposes such as quilting, garment production, home decorating, etc.
It is a myth that only knowledgeable people are creative. That means that even if you are no more intelligent than most people, you still have the potential to wield incredible creative powers. So why are so few people highly creative? It is vital to make sure that you are using the appropriate needles for your sewing machine and project. This will help ensure a smooth stitching process as well as protect both your needle and fabric from unnecessary wear.
A sewing machine needle is typically made of steel with a sharp point that penetrates the material being sewn in order to transfer thread through the fabric. The cable attaches itself onto the textile via friction, so when using a sewing machine needle, it pierces through both sides of the material and catches on the thread to form a stitch.
There are various types of sewing machines available on the market nowadays; however, nearly all work with an electric motor that rotates two sets of feed dogs (a group near the needle and another location at the lower part). The feed dogs grip both layers of fabric between them and pull them together, so they can be joined by either stitching or gluing. If you want to know how to change sewing machine needles, then read this article.
All Tools You Need To Prepare Before Starting To Change The Needle
You may also know that before doing anything, you need to prepare everything carefully. And for this thing, you only need to have four tools required to change a sewing machine needle properly. And they are:
1. A screwdriver with the right size head, typically in slotted or Phillips head shapes
2. The new sewing machine needle that will match your needs
3. Seam ripper
4. Sewing machine oil
Choosing The Right Needle Is One Of The Most Important Thing
Choosing the right sewing needle for your machine is essential to ensuring your stitches are uniform and robust.
Get out the manual
It is imperative to read through this thoroughly before attempting any repairs on your machine so that you know what tools are needed, what to do, etc.
Understand what needle sizes are required for different fabrics
Fabric thickness varies greatly, so it is essential to understand when a thicker or thinner needle may be necessary in order to sew in the proper fashion.
Ask somebody who knows about sewing machines
If you have somebody knowledgeable in this topic nearby, ask them for help choosing the suitable needles for your machine.
Choose between universal, topstitching, and embroidery needles
These three types of needles are the most common for household sewing machines, but you should also consult your manual to make sure it does not specify any other kinds.
Be sure that the needle is compatible with your machine
The needle’s eye should be the same size as the hook on your bobbin case, and it should fit snugly in place without wobbling.
Check that the needle is not bent or damaged
Damaged needles can lead to snagging or skipped stitches when sewing, so this is something to watch for.
Start To Change Your Sewing Machine Needle
Changing a sewing machine needle is a relatively simple process that can be done in less than ten minutes. So let’s get started right now to know detailed steps for how to change sewing machine needles.
Step 1: Turn off your sewing machine before doing everything in fixing or changing
Some people are inclined to turn off their sewing machine after finishing the job only. This, however, is not good for the needle because it will get jammed up with tiny fibers of thread that are left on or inside of it. Your needle will get dull more quickly if you don’t turn it off and leave it unused. Turning it off ensures that you won’t risk breaking the needle when you turn it back on by accidentally snagging a fiber and bending the needle.
Step 2: Raise the presser foot and place fabric/paper underneath
When changing the sewing machine needle, be sure to raise the presser foot and place your fabric or paper underneath. This will allow you more room to shift the needle without it getting in your way. It is also more ergonomic because you are not sticking your hand into the machine while trying to reach for the needle.
Step 3: Lower the presser foot
Lower the presser foot by using the lever on the side of your machine. This will allow you to see what is going on inside the sewing machine and make it easy for you to change the needle.
Step 4: Raise the needle to the highest position
The needle must be raised to the highest position so that it can pass over the top of the serger blade. This will allow you to have more room to change your needle. It would be best if you used care in doing this so that you don’t accidentally change the thread tension dial.
Step 5: Loosen the needle screw by turning it counterclockwise (toward you)
When loosening the sewing machine needle, always turn it towards you to prevent it from becoming too loose. If you turn it away from you, there is a chance that the needle will fall out of the machine while trying to loosen it.
Step 6: Pull the old needle out
Once you have loosened the needle screw, it is time to pull the old needle out. Be sure not to put a lot of pressure on the sewing machine when doing this.
Step 7: Check your new needle carefully
This step is significant to get the right needle. Different needles are used in sewing machines, sergers, embroidery machines, quilting machines, leather machines, and dressmaker’s shears.
If you are not sure which type of needle you should be looking for when trying to change your sewing machine needle, check the package to see what it says on the box. The needle numbering will give you a clue about what type of needle you should be using with your sewing machine. For example, if the sewing machine needle is numbered 11×13, it is a general-purpose universal size 11/120 double-pointed needle for all fabric types.
Step 8: Insert the new needle and push it all way up until it hits the stopper
When you have found the correct needle, please insert it into the sewing machine in accordance with how it comes out of the package. When changing a needle, always remember to screw the screwed in until the top of your new needle hits the metal stopper.
Step 9: Tighten screw by turning anti-clockwise (away from your position)
After you’ve inserted the needle, you need to tighten it by turning the screw. It would help if you never turned it clockwise because this will make the needle lose and may even fall out while attempting to tighten it. The needle can also get damaged if tightened clockwise.
Step 10: Re-thread your sewing machine
Re-thread your sewing machine before starting to sew again. This step is crucial for two reasons. Firstly, being careful in following steps when changing a sewing machine needle will prevent knots in thread, which could cause the needle to break if pulled through tight fabric. Secondly, re-threading is necessary in order for your new sewing machine needle to do its job.
Some Tips To Help You Use The Sewing Machine Better And More Durably
Have you ever had a sewing machine needle break on you? It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and can be downright dangerous. But it doesn’t have to happen to you again – here are some tips for preventing your needles from breaking (and what to do if they still do).
Use the correct needle size
The type of material that you are sewing will determine the best size of needle that should be used. For example, thicker fabrics like denim or canvas call for larger needles than thinner materials like cotton. Check your manual (or search online) for more information about how different fabrics should be sewn with particular types of needles.
Sew slowly
If you sew too quickly, it creates friction between the machine and your fabric. The conflict can cause the needle to break or bend, as well as potentially damage the device. Slow down a little when you’re sewing with thicker items- it will save you both time and money!
Don’t force the needle through the material
If your needle is getting stuck in your fabric, there are a few reasons that could be the case. It is possible that you are using the wrong needle, or it’s not being used correctly. If your needle is bent, dull, or too small for what you are sewing, it can result in an improper stitch. Be sure there isn’t any lint or other debris on the tip of the needle when you are sewing, and be sure to use it in the correct manner for whatever type of material you are using.
Keep your needles clean
Your machine may have come with a small cleaning brush that can be attached directly to your sewing machine. If it didn’t, don’t worry- you can just as easily use a soft toothbrush to clean out your sewing machine. Keep your sewing area free from lint and other debris. Check your manual for how often you should be cleaning your sewing machine, but a good rule of thumb is at least once a month.
Don’t forget to keep the spool in good shape as well! When you’re not using it, make sure to keep it away from water and direct sunlight.
FAQs About The Topic “How To Change Sewing Machine Needle”
Q: Why do needles break or bend during use?
A: The metal used in needles can sometimes break or bend, but a needle breaking during use usually results from being overworked. Frequent injection increases the symptoms of side effects such as lipodystrophy. It is recommended to take an eight-day break from injections after ten every week.
In order to find out if you’re not injecting enough, just get facials done and see what happens after that period. Be sure to get instructions from your doctor before making any changes to your regimen.
Q: Why do I need to choose the right needle for different sewing machines?
A: The type of material that you are sewing will determine the best size of needle that should be used. For example, thicker fabrics like denim or canvas call for larger needles than thinner materials like cotton. Check your manual (or search online) for more information about how different fabrics should be sewn with particular types of needles.
Q: How often should you replace your sewing needles?
A: The number one reason for needle breakage and bent needles is improper fitting. If you’re not using the proper size or brand, it could lead to problems with your projects as well as the machine. Sewing machines vary, so be sure to consult your manual for advice on what brand and type of needle are best suited for your model.
Remember to keep the needle-free from lint and other particles as well- this will help prevent corrosion which can lead to pitting that will eventually require a new needle.
Q: Does it hurt when you are using an old blunt or bent needle?
A: It is vital to have a sharp needle. A blunt or bent needle will not go through fabrics as well, which could cause it to break.
A new sewing machine needle should be used for every project. Clean the needles with the bit of brush that came with your machine or a paper towel moistened with rubbing alcohol before hiding them away in their box.
Q: Do I need to use oil on my new upholstery needle before getting started with it?
A: We would say it depends on how delicate the material is. If you are upholstering antique furniture with a piece of beautiful silk fabric, for example, go ahead and apply a bit of oil to the new needle first. Sawing through paper requires no needle oil whatsoever.
If you’re refurbishing furniture, then we would apply some lubricating spray (mineral or motor). Stuck needles can be expensive to replace or repair. If they break, that is worse still. Machine needles have a sliding contact point that slides across the work surface. In contrast, hand sewing needles have a sliding contact point that glides across your skin, so they need more lubrication to prevent friction burns from dry surfaces such as canvas work clothes, whereas machine needles do not, but this is where they can break.
We recommend that you should watch this video if you want to learn more about how to change sewing machine needle
In General
In conclusion, it is essential to make sure that you are using the appropriate needles for your sewing machine and project. This will help ensure a smooth stitching process as well as protect both your needle and fabric from unnecessary wear. And knowing how to change sewing machine needles is an excellent skill for everyone. Besides, also remember to take care of your sewing machine too. You will want to clean out any lint or dust before putting away a used needle for storage.
Here we gather all steps shortly for you to change the needle of a sewing machine:
- Step 1: Turn off your sewing machine before doing everything in fixing or changing
- Step 2: Raise the presser foot and place fabric/paper underneath
- Step 3: Lower the presser foot
- Step 4: Raise the needle to the highest position
- Step 5: Loosen the needle screw by turning it counterclockwise (toward you)
- Step 6: Pull the old needle out
- Step 7: Check your new needle carefully
- Step 8: Insert the new needle and push it all way up until it hits the stopper
- Step 9: Tighten screw by turning anti-clockwise (away from your position)
- Step 10: Re-thread your sewing machine
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