Can anyone tell me if there is a specific time to change the machine needle when quilting? Or is it use your own discretiion?

Approximately after 8 hours of sewing. However, I just do it when it starts messing up or when it breaks. I think that 8 hour thing was made up by needle manufacturers.

A NEW needle is also quiet - a dull needle makes a thunking noise. Turn your radio down and listen! LOL

Every 3rd bobbin. I can't keep track of mt sewing time and this just works for me. I pretty much use a light grey thread for all my piecing so I just wind 3 bobbins and when the 3rd one is empty I change the needle.

Terri - that sounds like a good system to me.

I put a new needle in whenever I start a new project. I buy my needles by the 100's. Cheapest way.

From where do you order your needles?

alot of people change to a new needle for each new project, also, at least every 8 hours of sewing time but i have found if i am doing some really heavy quilting i may need to change my needle every 4-6 hours. it also depends on the fabrics/batting being quilted and the thread being used. good rule of thumb would be between each project and as soon as you notice any change in stitch quality; if your thread starts to break or stitches start to skip it could be time.

wow, where do you buy your needles so cheap, please share with us where you buy them!

Oopsie - I change them when they break!!

I change with every new project and then of course if I break one, or it starts messing up the the thread starts breaking.

Thank to everyone for your answers, very helpful! Love this quilting board!

oops, I haven;t changed mine in.....at least 4 projects and probably 2 years.....hmm, thinkin I need to do it.....

I agree but would add "if the noise changes".

I started buying titanium coated needles. They last a very long time. Long enough to save money not buying new needles.

I get my needles, 100 per box at this site:

http://www.jhittlesewing.com

Bent? => change [ :) ]
Rusted? => change
Thunk thunk thunk? => change
Snagging the thread? => change

Seriously, probably 8 hours of usage, but Hey who really does that.
I need to put it in my phone alarm to change more often.

BellaBoo--Where do you get titanium needles??

I think this is one of the main problems i had with my old sewing machine, i had no idea you were to change the needles so often....you diffidently live and learn!

thanks, I see they have lots of good bargains there

also blades for our rotary cutters