Several years ago one of the magazines, I think it was Quilter's Newsletter, ran an article about needles. A quilter who had access to an electron microscope at her day job got electron micro photos of needles, new and at various stages of wear. What an eye opener!!
Remember needles are coated with a thin layer of "chrome" and it can chip or wear off in places. Think of what chrome bumpers look like after wear. Those little chips and worn parts can affect the way the needle operates. And can work with or against the thread and fabric.
It is important to change needles often because they wear, worn needles do not make good stitches. Worn needles can cause the yarns in the fabric to fray and pop, which causes holes. and all sorts of things.
Buy needles when they are on sale, or in bulk and change frequently. If you wait until you hear it "pop" through the fabric you are way past when you should change it. <G>
Have fun,
Pati, in Phx
Originally Posted by ReRe
Can anyone out there help me understand the WHY of why we should change our sewing machine needles so often? I have enough to change mine once a week for the next 6 months and have some more on the way that a friend is gifting me with. I am just curious as to the WHY of what we do. Anyone?
ReRe