it is *generally* recommended that your needle to changed with each new project- or after 8 hours of sewing time-which ever comes first---very few people actually follow the recommendation- but if you do---you will notice a more consistent (good stitch) when your needle is bent, dull, or gets a *rough spot* it is definitely time to change it; if you are seeing skipped stitches, or uneven stitches---it is time to change; if you notice a change in sound- or find your thread is starting to break, fray or create more *fuzz* it is time to change. the needle should be the correct size/type for the thread you are using and the project you are working on- if you are unsure about that visit a thread company (Superior Threads) is a good place to start- they offer charts you can print off (free) that tells you what needle *size/type* to use for what thread you are using (weight/type) and what each is best suited for- they have a wealth of information, hints, tips, advice - they are a great resource- will teach you a lot about threads and needles.

I only change my needle when it breaks. I keep buying needles but don't change them.

I attended a seminar by a well known quilter (won't use her name) She very diligently told us how often changing needles was recommended per manufactures and other professional quilters. Then she gave us a big cheeky grin and said she always......always changes her needle when it breaks. If it's not broken don't fix it. If I'm happy with my stiches, and have no problems, I change my needles when they break. LOL

me too, I wouldn't wait until you break needles, that can be dangerous, as well as throw your machine out of timing.

BellaBoo: Thanks for the Organ recommendation. I have a Brother that came with a packet of the type needle. Seemed to me each one lasted forever. Don't know if I will change the needle as often as others have recommended but to save my machine wear and tear I will do it more often than currently.

I was changing my needles with every new quilt. I stopped doing that, now only when I see a difference. My Daughter changes hers when they break.

Funny story........there was an article in our daily newspaper a while back featuring an older man who had started quilting. He said he had always wanted a sewing machine but his wife didn't think it was necessary. After she died one of the first things he did was go out and buy himself a machine and start quilting. He lived in a retirement home and, because of thin walls, was told he couldn't sew before 6 a.m. or after 10 p.m. He had made several quilts and the comment I just LOVED was that he had sewed so much he had nearly worn out his needle!!

If I am sewing a lot, I tend to change my needles more often, as I can keep track of how much I have been sewing, and I probably change it every 6-8 hours of sewing. If I only have time to sew here and there, I lose track of how long I have had a needle in, and I know I have gone longer than 8 hours with a needle. Not a real problem, as long as you don't have any problems with your stitches. But if you hear any thumping noise, see skipped stitches,"runs" in your fabric it definitely is time to do a change of your needle.

Another one here that only changes when I break one! Unfortunately seems to be frequent enough. But thanks for this timely reminder as the last time I was digging around in the spot I keep my needles seems all I could find were ball point needles. Don't need them for quilting! Just put 'needles' on my shopping list as I'll be out in the next day or 2!

When it breaks!