I have been zig zag stitching over a pattern I did with heat and bond. I have gone through 3 needles already because of the goopy build up on the needles. I was just wondering if any of you clean your needles as you go and what do you use or just keep replacing them?

Thanks

Was the Heat and Bond the sewable type ? That is the only thing that I can think of that would cause your problem, it is not the type to be sewed after it is applied .

I ended up having to sew it because it just wasn't sticking as well as it should have... bummer but it still looks great! Nice not to have to worry about it coming apart either. I will search out a "sewable" brand next time.

I heard that you can clean the needle with alcohal wipes. I haven't personally tried it so let us know if it works.

Heat'n Bond Ultra is non-sewable, but Heat'n Bond Lite can, and should be, sewn through.

Go and find yourself an emery strawberry. Most LQS over here stock them, so you hould be able to find them.The emery in the strawberry will rub the goop right off. Also great for taking the little burrs offf pins that are still pointy, but not able to go through fabric.
They look like a straberry pincushion, but they're really heavy for their size.

Wipe you needle periodically with a little alchol. It will remove the glue.

Thank you for asking this question, I was wondering the same thing. Rubbing alcohol, DUH! I knew that, guess the brain has been stuck on DUH here lately.

Sewer's Aid, the silicon liquid, will also remove the goop. But alcohol is cheaper and works great. That build up is a problem when embroidering hats etc. that use sticky hoop paper.

You can also use that 'GOOP BE GONE" as seen on TV. You can buy it at Target and Walmart. It's for taking stickers off. Put some on a cotton ball or a cosmetic pad works best, and just wipe off the needle! The goop is gone!!

I use alcohol wipes to clean the needle and put "Sewers Aide" on the thread. It lubricates the thread and needle, making it harder for the goo to stick.

i have used finger polish remover

So glad I am not the only one with this problem.. lol Thank you for the advice!

If you have one of the orange oil based cleaners or air freshener sprays, like Citrus Magic, that will work too.

Our local Singer shoppe sells a product that you spray directly on the fabric that helps with that. Whats it called? I don't know, all I know is that its oil based but doesn't hurt the fabric. I think Florini makes it. They use it for embroidery machines when they use sticky stabilizers.