Ditto. I know it's not enough. OR when I change fabric weight (denim, batiste, etc.)

Before I found my present needle, I changed after about 8 hours. Now I use the Superior Thread Company's titanium needle and they last they at least thru 2 quilts, sewing, quilting, and all. They are not that much more expensive than others, either. Here is the website to check out: http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/...s/description/

I love them.

I usually change mine when I start a new quilt

Thank you so much I will change up my needles from now on and check into the ones for stretch, the ball point ! perhaps that is the problem I was having with a knit top I was making !! Have a great new year and sew sew sew !

There is no rule. I usually change when I hear it popping in my fab ric. :)

i change mine when it breaks..LOL.. I have the needle sharpening pad I got from Nancy's notions.. When my needle is having a bad day I sew thru the pad a couple of times (with out thread.. lol) and the needle is ready for a new project!!!

I watch for the Titanium needles to be on sale & order a bunch at a time, unless I'm just replacing ones I've run low on. Sometimes www.sewphisticatedstitcher.com , www.nancysnotions.com or www.sewforless.com runs specials. When you consider all the time, effort & money you put into a quilt, the cost of a needle is the least of them! I'm not sure I'd put much faith into needles sharpeners (pan or mechanism), as a lot of things go into the engineering of a good needle. Just toss it or use it for a bulletin board pin.

don't ya just hate rules. I do it when I think I need to and I can tell ya it is not every 8 hours of sewing time.....

The only rule I know of, is to dispose of them safely when you do change them. I put mine in an old pill bottle clearly marked "used sewing needles" so no one will be hurt by them. I leave the bottle in my sewing desk so it is always handy for use. (I can be lazy when sewing.)

Yes, I also have an old film canister that I labeled for all worn or broken needles (hand or machine) into. I used a screw to put a hole in the top & never have to worry about them spilling out & they just pop right in. I mis-spelled pad earlier, saying i don't know if I'd trust a sharpening pad to put the edge back on a machine needle. I HAVE used scissors glide to clean a needle that had gotten gummed up w/ adhesive.