I changed to the titanium needle recently and am much happier with how long they last. Before I would change when a needle broke, changed to a different type, had a problem with the stitch or did a through cleaning which all means about once a month or so depending on what I was working on.

Unfortunately I don't usually think about changing them until they break!

I've been trying to change them more often so I don't have any problems. I like the way a new needle sews.

Tintanium needles #12 from Superior Threads are the only needles I use - according to Bob's website they last 8x longer than other needles
Mine's been in for more than a year and still doing fine.
http://www.superiorthreads.com

I must say I have not been good about change unless bent,
break, different sounds, etc. I do have machine cleaned
once a year.

Yes, or when I break it!

I change my needle at the beginning of each new project. Find that I get better stitch quality and control....Needles are relatively inexpensive...and the quality of your sewing will improve.

I'm a terrible soul.... I rarely change my needle.. until I hit a pin and break it... I know I know... it's bad on the machine.. but I"m on a tight budget..

I was given some " used" needles by another board member that changed her needle freq... I sharpen them and sew right along with them.. This saves me so much money.....

If any of u needle changers wish to donate used needles , I'd love to salvage them.... I sew for Veterans ( American Veterans Project - bluteddies Veterans) I freq sew heavy duck or upolstery fabrics and the needles really help keep costs down.
PM me if anyone wishes to donate used needles ( dull not broken or bend ones.. I can do that on my own... LOL)

thanks

how do you know when a needle needs to be changed (other than the obvious.. it broke)

I can hear it - the machine sounds cloppier (is that a word?).
And that tells me I should have changed it hours ago. :roll: