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I change the sewing machine needles with each new projects. I clean out the bobbin case on a regular basis with a clean paint brush.
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It's happened to us all. I use a small kid's paintbrush to clean/pick up the lint in the bobbin area. I now change the needle after every project but like you I found out the hard way. Look at your manual, it's easier than you think. Just give yourself time and you'll get to know your machine and its needs. Keep on with the quilting, it's a great craft. I love it.
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You will likely be amazed at how much better your sewing goes after you put in a sharp needle and clean up the machine a little bit.
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Originally Posted by beachlady
I clean mine every bobbin change. And probably do not change the needle enough - kind of like my blades in the rotary cutter.
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When you take out the broken needle , pay close attention to which side the flat part goes. Then replace the new one in the same way. Make sure you put it in as far as it will go, and tighten the screw. I use a screwdriver in my large machine because it vibrates a bit and gets loose.
Definitely have a look inside to defuzz your machine. If you can't follow the manual to do this, just take it in to your fav shop and ask them to show you. Or, get another sewing buddy to show you. Generally quilters are a friendly and sharing bunch! |
Originally Posted by AnnieH
It's happened to us all. I use a small kid's paintbrush to clean/pick up the lint in the bobbin area. I now change the needle after every project but like you I found out the hard way. Look at your manual, it's easier than you think. Just give yourself time and you'll get to know your machine and its needs. Keep on with the quilting, it's a great craft. I love it.
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I was so sorry to hear what happened to your machine,that has got to be so frustrating,don't feel bad for sounding off,I don't blame you one bit I would be quite upset if it was me.
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You should change your needle reasonably often. Perhaps it broke because it was too dull to go through the material. The more sewing you do, the easier it is to know when to change the needle. Certainly if you hear a sort of popping sound when the needle goes in it means you have left it a bit long to change the needle. After every project(and sometimes during) you should get rid of fluff in the bobbin race and feed dogs. I use a big paint brush or make up brush for this as the ones they supply you with are inadequate.
Never pull the thread backward through the tension disc when you are changing the thread as you can drag lint into the disc. Cut it off at the top and drag the tail out through the needle direction. The little bit of thread waste is worth not having to get your machine serviced too often. |
Originally Posted by jitkaau
You should change your needle reasonably often. Perhaps it broke because it was too dull to go through the material. The more sewing you do, the easier it is to know when to change the needle. Certainly if you hear a sort of popping sound when the needle goes in it means you have left it a bit long to change the needle. After every project(and sometimes during) you should get rid of fluff in the bobbin race and feed dogs. I use a big paint brush or make up brush for this as the ones they supply you with are inadequate.
Never pull the thread backward through the tension disc when you are changing the thread as you can drag lint into the disc. Cut it off at the top and drag the tail out through the needle direction. The little bit of thread waste is worth not having to get your machine serviced too often. |
When I clean my bobbin area out I use canned air when I'm finished and I was surprised how much fine lint build up still remains after cleaning. Canned air is what is also used to clean dust from keyboards on yor computers.
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My most common error that results in a broken needle is to change the foot after doing a wide zigzag, but not reduce the zz width. Bang! There goes another needle when it hits the new foot designed for straight line stitching.
I guess I just have a bad case of dumb :thumbdown: |
Originally Posted by bonniebusybee
My most common error that results in a broken needle is to change the foot after doing a wide zigzag, but not reduce the zz width. Bang! There goes another needle when it hits the new foot designed for straight line stitching.
I guess I just have a bad case of dumb :thumbdown: |
Originally Posted by bonniebusybee
My most common error that results in a broken needle is to change the foot after doing a wide zigzag, but not reduce the zz width. Bang! There goes another needle when it hits the new foot designed for straight line stitching.
I guess I just have a bad case of dumb :thumbdown: |
You should have your sewing machine cleaned at least once a year. I change my needle after sewing with it for 8 hours.
Your sewing machine book should tell you how to change the needle. My Bernina is computerized and shows step by step how to do these things. Betty Lee |
Originally Posted by DianneRab
Hi ladies,
I am sending my brand new Singer Quilter's Confidence machine off for warranty repairs. It seems (after talking with Liddy who is their factory rep in my area that this machine is a fussy one. Only likes 90/12 needles and cotton blend thread. You can't use tissue paper for stablizer (the manual suggests this) for applique and what about all those pretty threads to make the quilts look amazing. Sending the machine off today and have to go pick it up when it is finished a 6 hour drive (includes both ways) I am a bit miffed as the manual which I've read many times does not give you this kind of information. Liddy Singer service woman, did promise a bunch of lessons for free. There were some other issues with this machine it's disease is thread lock. So besides, needles and thread, there is drama with machines. Phew thanks for letting me sound off ladies Dianne Ha Ha just joking. I have to say that I have put this one thru all of NOT TO DO to a sewing machine that you can do. and it is still hummimg right along I have changed the needle a few times, After they get (bent or broke) that is. blow out the bobbin and thread path with can air each empty bobbin change, like I said, must have gotten a good one. Ray.. |
I used to clean my old Kenmore myself....but with the new esp. the computerized machines...it is recommended that you take them in for a technician to clean and check them. They can clean them down deep inside where we can't get into them... Don't blow in your machine...you will get little rust spots from the spit. With many machines these days costing $$$$$ i think it is good to take them to a skilled tech.
As soon as I finish this next quilt top...my machine in going in for a cleaning and check |
OMG - I feel so sorry for my sewing machine - I haven't taken care of like I apparently should have - but I will in the future.
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This forum is the best. Thank you all for teaching me!
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I change my needle every 8 hours or daily, and save for pinning other things. I oil twice a month regularly, and brush out the bobbin area every bobbin change.
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I service once a year
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For sewing cotton fabrics I have found that sharp or microtex needles are best, universal needles aren't good for that. Its not hard to put a new needle in, just make sure that you put it in correctly for your particular machine.
I have quite a few old Singers and some of them have the needle flat either to the left or right and of course they all thread differently. :roll: When I go back to using my modern machines I have make sure that I put the new needle in right.(bad news if I didn't) Take the throat plate off and clean all the lint out; and the bobbin area and oil it if your machine requires it. You'll be suprised at how much better your machine sews. |
Quick tip....Don't ever blow on the lint that's in your needle area. That just pushes it further into the mechanisms of the machine. Not Good!! I try to send mine in for cleaning once a year of so, depending on how much sewing you may do. I got hooked on quilting about 3 yrs ago when my neice adopted 2 little ones from Guatamala. Now I can't seem to stop. Welcome to the group!
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Cleaning your machine is essential. I would get an artist paint brush (as opposed to a childs paint brush) and put it around the bobbin area and any other place you can under the needle plate to clean off any threads, fabric lint etc. Also needles are made specifically for certain fabric types (cotton, silks, jeans, jersey etc. Read your manual and you will gain a lot of important information. Good luck.
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I like all these sounds! We need a directory!!
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I take the throat plate off and clean the bobbin area with a brush very often. I have a computerized machine and was told by the dealer to never try to oil it myself, just take it to him and he will do it and to have it serviced once a year. This is what I do and so far all is good.
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Originally Posted by DianneRab
Hi ladies,
I am sending my brand new Singer Quilter's Confidence machine off for warranty repairs. It seems (after talking with Liddy who is their factory rep in my area that this machine is a fussy one. Only likes 90/12 needles and cotton blend thread. You can't use tissue paper for stablizer (the manual suggests this) for applique and what about all those pretty threads to make the quilts look amazing. Sending the machine off today and have to go pick it up when it is finished a 6 hour drive (includes both ways) I am a bit miffed as the manual which I've read many times does not give you this kind of information. Liddy Singer service woman, did promise a bunch of lessons for free. There were some other issues with this machine it's disease is thread lock. So besides, needles and thread, there is drama with machines. Phew thanks for letting me sound off ladies Dianne |
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