How often do you change your needles? Some where I read to change them about every 8 hours of use. Do you change them this often or what is your preference?

Are you asking about domestic or longarm machines. On my domestic I change the needle at least twice a week. On my longarm I'm much more dilegent and it gets changed every other quilt unless it's a queen or king size then it gets changed after each quilt.

Sometimes you can actually hear the needle 'pop' through the material... if you do, needle changing is over due!

No my machine is just a domestic. I am not on it every day or week lately anyway. I do realize it has been a while since I have changed my needle. I guess I need to change it now. I just noticed a couple days ago that on the back side it looked like it was pulling a piece of fabric thread with the bottom thread.

I usually change my needles whenever I begin a new project (project meaning a medium sized quilt top, clothing or home dec item)I stock up on needles when they go on sale then don't mind if I occasionally toss a needle when it still has some life in it.

It depend on how much sewing I'm doing. Usually once a week is good for me.

It's always a good idea to start any new project with a new needle - and to change the needle after several hours of work. Recently I had trouble with the needle magically "unthreading" - I was really really frustrating - my husband checked the needle and said it must be broken cuz there was an opening in the eye - - - I checked the needle package and to my surprise I had Self Threading Needles - They just don't stay threaded while sewing!! Can't recommend them :)

i don't worry about tracking hours or projects. like thequilteddove i can hear it when a needle gets dull.

i buy my needles in bulk from jhittle.com
saves me huge $$$

I change it when I know it is getting dull or when it breaks!

I check mine often, when they don't feel sharp to the touch I toss them :D

I have another question about needles. I have 2 needles in a pack that(well is in the plastic that they come in) I am not sure what size they are and if these were some that I have changed out already. How can you tell what size they are and do you throw your old ones away right away and your blades also do you do throw them out? I suppose you do that way you would know what you have right?