I change my needle pretty often depending on the fabric. I put a small piece of scotch tape on top of my machine and write the needle size on it. So if I need to hem jeans I know to change the needle and the tape. Maybe next day I want to piece and look at the tape I know to change it. I then change the needle and tape again. Also I keep the "little used needle" by labeling the size and storing it for the next time I need it.

OMG I know never even thought about it. LOL when it break there its time

I am in the "when it is needed" camp. I try not to wait until it breaks, but I can usually hear and see the difference in the stitch between and sharp and dull needle. I am also in the camp of "run over the needles" which also limits their life (lol - despite the fact that I slow down there is an occasional nick). I usually I have several projects going on at once .... so "after I finish a project" never works for me.

Depends on what the project is and the material. When I dispose of a needle I find something I can stick both ends into and wrap in a small piece of paper of something. Friend of mine disposed of some old needles because they had rusted (she got them out of an old broken machine). One poked her. She got a really bad infection. Now she saves old medicine bottles just for that purpose of getting rid of broken or rusty needles. If I'm sewing on denim or a heavy fabric like it, I will use a denim or heavy duty needle.

I'm with you

when it breaks ;-)

Dealers give out info that benefits them.It might also benefit you.But don't count on it.Do what works.

I know I've told to change my needle every 8 hours of sewing, or at least after each project. However, I do forget to change the needle that frequently, until my machine starts acting differently and the stitches aren't right, and then I know it's time to change the needle. Maybe I should keep better track, but as long as my stitches are fine, I'll leave the needle in.

I break needles when I forget to change the presser foot when I change to zig-zag. That is happening a lot less than it used to; I'm learning!

A week ago I broke a needle trying to hem a pair of denim jeans. I tried to stagger those thick places, but I hit something! Pinnnngggg!

I have lots of broken needles to put into my walls to hang small wall hangings and light pictures and such. When they come out, no one is the wiser. You can't see the small holes they make.

I change my needle when I hear that "pluck" sound it makes going through the fabric. As long as it is sharp, no sound, but a dull needle makes that noise. Otherwise I only change the needle based on the type of fabric I use. When I have threads that seem to break a lot at the needle, I change out to a metallic thread needle.

I change my needle when it makes a 'thunk' noise, or when I am changing to a project that requires a differnt size or a thread that likes a certain needle. I just bought some "Inspira" brand that Viking recommends, and I won't do that again. They dull in about three or four bobbins worth of sewing, when I use the Schmetz will last for about a dozen bobbins. I don't like the singer brand needles any more, they used to be great, but now they seem a tad short and can cause missed stiches even in joining just two layers of cloth together. So yeah, about every dozen bobbins, or if my machine requests it, sooner. I have found that the 'organic' cottons (I had some from Birch and some from Jaycyn) that I just worked with dull the needles more quickly, too.

I change with each project, place the old needle in a pill bottle (lable removed) and when it gets fairly full, I fill in all the space with plaster of paris and just toss in the trash

I usually change out for each project. On my quilting frame I change out every 5 hours of stitching.

Yes I have to admit that's what I do too. I have a question for all you good people. What about sewing on Insulbrite? Does it dull your needle or actually sharpen it?

Jenny Doan (MSQCo.) said in one of here tuts that she doens't change her needle til it dies.

I change my needle frequently. I can see the difference a new needle makes in my sewing & piecing, so it's worth it! I use the type of needle that's appropriate for the job at hand. I buy my needles with coupons and when there is a "notions" sale. Like the Schmedt needles more than any other brands I've tried.

My husband has a sewing repair business and he always reminds me to change the needle. He says most problems are from old or improper size needles and not cleaning often enough.

I agree with your dealer but how do you measure 8 hours?! One tip that I was given is 8 hours is equivalent to 3 bobbin rewinds but I don't about things like that, everytime I quilt a project my sewing machine gets a good delinting a touch of oil, polish AND a new needle, I use size 14 Topstitch needles which is fab for FMQ, solves the breaking of thread and so easy to thread it you don't have a good needle threader. I don't use many dedicated needles as I mainly stick to ordinary quilting but I do use a metallic needle when use metallic thread, and for my piecing on my Bernina I am using my ordinary Organ needles until they run out and then will go totally Topstitch.

I learned in my sewing/quilting classes to change my needle for each new project - and to use the correct size needle for the fabric/thread/project I'm working on. Other than that, my machine starts to make a little sound like it's working harder - so I put in a new needle and it purrs like a kitten!

I don't know if i'm lazy or just plain cheap, I replace when they break. I never think of it till therews a problem. when emb. if I hear a loud poping sound, then i'll change it.

I change with each project.

I can sew for 8 hours a day sometimes. If I changed every 8 hours I would go through 30 needles in a month. I usually break mine by having the wrong foot on. I know they say to change all the time but I don't.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40 if you search on EBay.com you can see just how cheap you can buy 100 lots of needles. I agree with Cagey's post as in my 1st workshop the tutor said the most important part of caring for your machine is the needle.

Even though you're sewing for 8 hours in a day, you probably don't run the machine for a continuous 8 hours.