How do you know when it is time to change the needle in your machine?

ReRe

i change my needle after evert project if the project last more than 8 hours change it.

I started using titanium plated machine needles. They last much longer then regular needles. I can machine quilt several big size quilts with one needle. I can tell when the needle goes dull so it's not just a guess on my part. I buy these:

.... Most professionals recommend changing the needle every project or, if you count, every 8 hours. Imagine having a needle that will last 40 to 60 hours. This is equivalent to saving 80% on the cost of needles.....
http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/...s/description/

Titanium is a good choice. I may have to get some when I run out of my stash.

Sounds like a good idea. Do these work in all sewing machines?

not sure, best to ask your dealer.

I think sewing machines need an hour meter on them. DH is a heavy equipment mechanic & all those big machines get maintenance based on hours in use.

:oops: When the machine starts sewing funky and I can't fins another reason for it :oops:

I used to change them when I broke one - but my BFF taught me the differrence between how the machine sews & sounds when the needle is dull, so now I might start changing them more often than just when I break one - maybe!

I can hear when the needle gets dull or rounded. Sometimes I'm stubborn and don't change as often as I should.

I can tell by the way my machine sounds. There is this faint thunking noise and then I know to change the needle. My kids can't hear it but I can.

I too use the titanium needles and love them. I can tell when they need changing because the needle makes a sort of "plunk, plunk" noise when it goes into the material.

Usually my bobbin will act up, i change my needle and its all better. Odd huh?

I can tell when the machine starts to make a rough sound and/or some missed stitches or the needle pulls threads in the fabric. I can also tell by putting my finger on the tip and you can feel a dull needle straight away!

Gal

if you can afford to buy in bulk, this website sells Organ brand titanium needles for home sewing machines.

100 needles (many sizes available) are $42.95

compare that to $6.99 per pack of 5.

you'd save 70%

(the large-eye needles for metallic - 2 sizes - are $58 per 100. 60% savings)

http://www.ctsusa.com/_e/dept/21/Hou...ne_Needles.htm

After 8 hrs.

Not enough at all! I try to just do it when they get dull.

I change mine about every 4 to 5 sewing hours - its hard to gauge though, you might have been 'sewing' for 6 hours the machine might have done half that, what with cutting out and pressing and rumaging etc....

I will look at the Titanium needles after my current supply runs out - thanks for the tip.

BTW - I never wait until the needle plunks - not very good for the machine and I also hate the needle to decide to be blunt right in the middle of something special.

When I used to buy needles a 5 pack at a time it was hard to keep tossing them, but then I started to buy the 'workshop packs' from my Bernina dealer - 100 needles in a little box, and its not so hard to throw one out now - the boxes still last me ages, I have about five different boxes on the go for different jobs, so thats a lot of needles!

I need this post sooooooooooooo bad. I, too, can hear when the machine changes it song. I hate so much to change the needle when it seems like I just put it in the machine. I am greedy for all the information I can get on this subject. I also need to be taught how to choose the correct needle for the fabric and/or project.

DSB - your machine manual should tell you what needle to use for what kind of fabric - but I THINK the smaller the number on the needle, then the thinner fabric it should be used for - I use a 10, 11, or 12 for cottons, 14 for denim - if I'm going through several layers of cotton & batting, I go with the 12 - but you will probably get more ideas from other members here, I'm sure! Or you could do a google search too!

I aggree with sewcrazy. I change me needle all the time. It avoids problems with my machine and fabric.

I try to remember to change between project, but usually forget. I'm on to my next project....thanks for the reminder! :)

Like alot of you, my machine tells me when the needle is dull!

Allbrands.com is also sells then in bulk.

I can hear mine thunking too.

I have started using titanium Klasse needles in my babylock and really love them

only change them when they break!!!! OOPS :oops: :shock: :?:

I also use the titanium needles and love them. you can tell when they need changing by the sound.
It will be great to get them at 70% off, Patrice thanks for the info.

I change the needle every 8-10 hours of sewing....but I do keep a couple in my pincushion that don't seem to have been used as hard. I keep them for when I'm putting a zipper into a jean purse...always break a needle when doing that...so at least I'm breaking a used needle instead of a fresh one. :oops:

I used to change only when I broke a needle - now I change needles on every other project. I also do alterations in addition to quilting. So I really go thru needles. Thanks for the web sites for bulk buying.

other than looking at the container the needle came in..Just how do you tell what size the needle is...there are not markings on the needle.... am i the only one who has this question....

Like shifting gears in the car, go by the sound. The length of time you use a needle varies according to the type material you are using.

Oh dear, my needle always stayed in my machine until it broke, but now I seem to be changing it too often. I have to pay about 7$ for a box of 5 decent needles, so my DH is always saying "what are you doing with the damned things?" but now I feel justified. A fascinating thread - thanks to you all for your input.

I have to admit, that I get the most mileage out of them that I can....now if I am doing paper piecing, a new #11 is a must.

I change my needle after every project. I also use a finer needle for quilting than I do for piecing, so will often use the same needle to piece several quilts.

IF your machine starts making clicking or clunking noises, it usually means you need a new needle. Needles aren't that expensive that you can't change them....your fabrics are worth it!

I always watch for the sales and get several packages. JoAnns has coupons for use when they are not on sale. Guild members get a 10% discount there even if items are on sale, EXCEPT for the Accuquilt.

Don't go by me - I'm very bad! I change them when they break or else when my machine starts to sound strange. Must develop good habits!!

Ditto. The sound changes. I was in a class at Viking, and the instructor/owner called out a student for having a dull needle. She could hear it across the room. Also, if not sewing right, and nothing else works, change your needle right after you try rethreading.

Only when they break.

I can usually tell by the sound. Haven't used the titanium needles but they definitely look interesting.

I wouldn't mind changing needles more often if they weren't on the expensive side. I did find a place online that sells Organ needles in bulk/100 for only $19 and have been thinking of buying them, then I wouldn't mind changing my needle often. Organ needles are supposed to be very good needles.

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA