I'll use a new needle at the beginning of a new project and somewhere in the middle. And of course if I'm changing the thread size....I like to quilt using 40 wt. so I'll go to a bigger needle. And if it begins to sound clunky too. I buy my needles in bulk so I always have them on hand.

I always change the needle after I finish each quilt. If I am doing a smaller wall hanging, I may change after two. If I am doing embroidery, I change much more frequently. Needles are cheap, easy to change, easy to find, store, etc. I think it is an easy way to protect the fabric and quilt.

The titanium coated needles literally last 10 times longer than other needles. You can get them at Superior Threads. I rarely change needles--they usually break first, since I end up using a zig-zag stitch when I still have my 1/4 inch foot on :-(

I am also one that changes the needle before I start a new project and when the needle breaks.:thumbup:

The recommended time frame for changing your sewing machine needles is after every 8 hours of sewing or between projects. I think most people don’t change them that often but that’s the recommended time. ( recommended by machine dealers and needle companies)
if im making small projects I may make quite a few before changing mine. If I’m making queen or king sized quilts I do change them between projects- or sooner if I notice my stitch quality isn’t as nice as it was in the beginning.

When they break or bend. Broke one today...new needle now.

Of course the needle manufacturers would tell you to change them often. :D It's like the shampoo company saying rinse and repeat. The more you use the more they sell.

I rarely change my needle unless I hear the “thunk” or a needle breaks, and have absolutely no problem with my stitches or holes in my fabric...

I'm really good at cleaning out my bobbin but not changing needles. I like Tallchick's idea. I tend to wait until it breaks!

I usually depend on the "sound" of the needle when it pierces the fabric. If it is noisy, I change the needle because that sound tells me that the needle tip is dull.