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This is a great idea to use buttons for different machine needles
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Wait, you mean needles are supposed to be changed?!?!? LOL, okay I knew that I just don't remember to do it often enough. Kinda like the blade in my rotary cutter. Sigh I used to have a brain, didn't I?
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I change my needle when starting a new project and usually while about halfway through when I am FMQ. I always
clean out the bobbin case when putting in a new bobbin. I will also oil it by every 3rd or 4th bobbin change. It doesn't take very long and it makes a lot of difference in the way the machine sews. |
Thanks for all the tips on needle storage and usage.
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Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
(Post 5532812)
The needle manufacturers say you're supposed to change it every 8 hours. But that's actual sewing time. I know I don't change mine quite that often but I do change it pretty regular. Since I have several types and sizes of needles I bought a plastic organizer thing that's just the right size to hold the needle packages. I think it's supposed to be for beads. Anyway, I put a button in the space that I take the needle out of. If I use a needle but it's still good I put it back in loose and that way I know it's still good but not brand new. The different color buttons in the box are for different machines.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]364617[/ATTACH] |
I tend to just change my needles when I hear the thunking noise. I always say I'm going to do better, but then get busy and forget. I use the price stickers to label my pieces when I cut them so I can tell at a glance which piece is which.
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I have a dry erase board near my machine and I write down the size of needle and date each time I change it. I also write down any tips I need to make the quilt I'm working on or # of blockes needed, etc. For used needles that can be used again, I saved empty needle cases for each size needle I use and put the used needle in there. FOr example, I save a 90/14 needle in an empty 90/14 case. I write "used" on the package so I know it's not a sole new needle left in the case.
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I confess I do not change my needle unless it's broke/bent or the machine starts sounding "funny"; however, I do clean out those dust bunnies almost everytime I'm finished sewing. Thanks for gently reminding me to do better and be mindful of my wonderful machine!
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I was told that the main reason to change a blunt needle is to keep the fabric from being damaged. With that said, I change my needle when it has hit to many pins, broken, or it makes that 'thump' sound. I am lazy and tight so believe I am saving myself some work ad some money!
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Great minds think alike! lol.... My version is this: I use a post it note that I keep in a drawer by my machines. It has 2 purposes, first I use it to slip over my throat plate so when I change the needle it won't slip down into my machine. The 2nd one is to mark which needle I have removed if it is still ok to use. I also made a Needle Saver pincushion for used needles that are still good. Unfortunately, that was before I began quilting! I have no place to put my quilting needles! lol
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Geez I never change my needle. People will tell you all kinds of things. Especially if it means more money in their pockets.
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me to Neesie not Nessie:)
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Originally Posted by Jan in VA
(Post 5532866)
Yeah, I change more often than I used to, also, although I was always pretty good about it. To me, needles are the cheapest/most disposable tools we use and they can make the most difference.
I also remove the throat plate and bobbin assembly and clean out the 'dust bunnies' with a pastry brush each time I change the bobbin. Jan in VA |
The needles that I use are colour coded and as the metalfil and topstitch needles are virtually the same, I don't really see the necessity to track them as one can see the size of the hole etc. One also can work out that the hole is too small if the thread shreds. The leather needles are triangular in shape.
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Originally Posted by QandE2010
(Post 5532769)
Here is a tip that I have been using forever and it works for me, so thought I'd pass it on.
How do you remember what size needle you have in your machine? I keep a supply of round price stickers (purchased from a local office supply store) on hand. When I put a new needle in the machine, I write the size and type of needle (embroidery, jeans, universal, quilting etc) and date on the sticker and put it on my machine. When I go to replace the needle (because I've used it for 12 hours or because I need a different size and type) I take it out and either dispose of it or put the sticker on the blunt end of the neeedle and place the needle in a special pin cushion I keep just for that purpose. You're Welcome. I also like Scissor Queen's idea. |
Glad you shared!
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Great tip......Thanks
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Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
(Post 5532812)
The needle manufacturers say you're supposed to change it every 8 hours. But that's actual sewing time. I know I don't change mine quite that often but I do change it pretty regular. Since I have several types and sizes of needles I bought a plastic organizer thing that's just the right size to hold the needle packages. I think it's supposed to be for beads. Anyway, I put a button in the space that I take the needle out of. If I use a needle but it's still good I put it back in loose and that way I know it's still good but not brand new. The different color buttons in the box are for different machines.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]364617[/ATTACH] |
Originally Posted by Sewnoma
(Post 5533013)
My dealer shamed me into being much more diligent about cleaning out my bobbin assembly. They threatened to take my new machine back if I did as poor a job with it as I did with my first machine!! (They were kidding....mostly.) I don't clean it with every bobbin change though, I clean it probably once in the middle of a quilt and then again when I'm done - maybe once more somewhere in there if I'm using linty thread and/or flannel. I don't think I EVER properly cleaned out my first machine though, so that's a HUGE improvement! I thought occasionally blowing on the bobbin case was enough, LOL
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Scissor Queen you have some great ideas!!!:thumbup: I too use baggies but didn't think to use stickers on them, plan to do that for my next project. Awesome Q.B.
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I have a tip for disposing of needles and cutter blades. I had a nurse tell me they put sharps in a container, and when it is full, they pour plaster of paris over them, and when it set us, just discard the chunk of plaster and nobody can get hurt
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Originally Posted by gardnergal970
(Post 5537893)
I learned from a sewing machine repair person that we should never blow into our machines or use those pressurized cans used for cleaning computer keyboards because over time, the moisture can create favorable conditions for rust.
Not to mention that you're blowing stuff into places that stuff shouldn't be blown. :) |
Originally Posted by MattieMae
(Post 5535524)
I tend to dilly-dally when I'm sewing, so keeping track of hours would be senseless for me. They do sound different when they're getting dull. That's when I chuck them. I got some of the Superior Threads titanium coated topstitch 80/12 and 90/14 for piecing and quilting and they're lasting a really long time. Thanks for the tips.
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If you have any empty prescription pill bottles. I save them for used needles. just the right size.
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my goodness. I've been a very bad quilter. First I learn today that I should be changing my rotary blades more often and now it's my needles too! *goes to stand in the time out corner*
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You can also take the sticker applied to the flat side place it to the side of the mach. It will have the size,type & hours used. Great for switchig projects mid way.
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Originally Posted by Neesie
(Post 5535010)
To tell whether or not it's dull, I just run my fingertip across it. As for which one to use - if it works well and feels right, I just use it and don't worry about whether or not it's the "correct" needle.
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Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
(Post 5535938)
I forgot to add, I use those price stickers for keeping track of block parts and sizes. Once I do my test block and start cutting pieces I put them in zipper baggies. Instead of writing on the baggie which can smear I use the price stickers. Plus when I start the next quilt I can just put a new sticker over the old one and keep using the same baggies. It really helps when some of the pieces are really close in size and hard to tell apart unless you measure every time.
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"Now, why didn't I think of that?"What an excellent idea. New needles can make a BIG difference in ones stitching/quilting.
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Originally Posted by Divokittysmom
(Post 5536598)
Great minds think alike! lol.... My version is this: I use a post it note that I keep in a drawer by my machines. It has 2 purposes, first I use it to slip over my throat plate so when I change the needle it won't slip down into my machine. The 2nd one is to mark which needle I have removed if it is still ok to use. I also made a Needle Saver pincushion for used needles that are still good. Unfortunately, that was before I began quilting! I have no place to put my quilting needles! lol
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Those are two really good ideas. thanks I can really use that.
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