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

I don't, I just can't make myself change if I have not seen any problems, like chunking dimes out the window.

I have often wondered this as well, but I think it is a but like changing the tyres on your car- it's to stop something worse afflicting you!

Needles wear out. The points get dull and can damage your fabric and can cause the machine not to work as well. Keep changing them -- often :lol: :lol:

As long as my skin still gets stuck into the needle when I 'tip' it to see if it is still sharp I am probably not going to dump it yet. /Regards, Dorothy

:lol: :lol:

My reasoning for what it is worth. Change them when you hear a popping sound, used it for paper piecing, hit a pin. Yes, i change often, not as often as maybe I should. Have you ever taken a magnifying glass and compare the tip of the one you are taking out to the one you are putting in? The tip wears out, so it is not sharp enough to go between the threads of the fabric but will punch a hole through it.

It's the sound........worn out needles sound different.
I like the comparison to car tires and realize I need to do two things more often; check tire pressure and change sewing machine needle!

I do not change mine unless it breaks. If you are not having problems why through money away?

I bought one of these and it gives my needles (hand and machine) a few more miles.
http://www.amazon.com/Sharp-Machine-...8252453&sr=8-1