How often do you change your needles? What size do you use for piecing? Machine quilting?

I am not a good one to ask on this question....I normally change my needle when I break it and that is not good.

the companies say after each 8 hrs or so of sewing. Then there are some of us who change them when they no longer punch a hole in the fabric or need to change because of different kind of thread.
So the answers are usually from:

Here-----------------------------to--------------Here

I know that I should change them a lot more often, but I admit to not doing it.

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who waits until the needle breaks.

I used to change only RARELY. Now I change much more often, when I hear a thwacking sound at the needle. Only having whisper a quiet machine allowed me to learn this. If you don't like to change often, try Superior Threads' titanium needles.

Same here! They sew just as well. I do the same with my embroidery machine and no problems.

after about 8 to 10 hours of sewing.

Even though I know I should change more often - Only when they break!!!

I change mine about every 8 hour of sewing. I piece with Schmetz 75/11 quilting needles. Since I have a longarm, I most typically use a size 3.5 on it. I change my longarm needles with every quilt.

the machine manual for my machine says needles should be changed either with every new project or after 8 hours of sewing- which ever comes first.
i change mine maybe not quite that often but often enough-
if you do not change your needle you (can) start having all kinds of little problems- that go away with a new needle

Please don't use titanium needles. Sometimes when a needle breaks its because something is wron with the machine.. bobbin threaded wrong or in wrong, top thread not pulled through tension disks or threaded wron, a bent shaft, etc. If you use the titanium needle that doesn't break, you run the risk of doing much greater damage to your machine. The needle breaking can also be a safety feature on your machine's internal workings.

My repair guy told me to change my needle when I hear the needle make a soft "pup" sound as it stitches. He says that is when the needle is getting dull.

Since I found http://www.discountembroiderysupply.com/ and can buy needles reasonably priced I change mine pretty regular. I generally use the quilting needles for piecing and the topstitching for quilting. I use the 80/12 the most for piecing and the 90/14 or bigger for quilting since I use a heavier thread. For raw edge applique with invisible thread I use the 60/8s. They're fairly fine and don't seem to fray the edge as bad.

I'm trying to use up most of the universal needles I have so I can use all quilting or topstitch needles.

I'm supposed to change the needles?????? LOL! I know I need to do it more often, too. I'm glad you asked this question so I maybe will think about it more often.

I change needle sizes quite frequently, now how often I discard fabric is a whole different story. I am guilty of keeping my needles way too long, but I do the same with my rotary blades so I am at least consistant!

I change needles when they break, are causing skipped stitches or the thread keeps breaking because of a burr on the tip. I save all of the stubs and ones that don't sew very well in a bar of soap and use them as nails to hang pictures.

I started using the Organ Titanium coated needles and they stay sharp, outlasting a package of the regular needles. I won't use any other now. I get them here:

http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/...s/description/

It should be more often, but definitely when it starts the popping sound...
I buy the Organ needles as well.
Usually use a topstitch needle, which is the same as a metalfil needle. I use 100/16 for the bowls that I make such as in my avatar, 90/14 for the quilting,60/8 for heirloom type stuff.

I change them frequently. Usually after a big project such as quilting a quilt etc.

My favorite is Schmetz top stitch needles I use for embroidery /sewing.
Changing your needle is important.
Change your needle and listen to the sound of your machine and look at the stitch quality it makes a big difference.

I do a lot of pp so use a Microtex 80/12 for piecing. Depending on the thread for fmq it changes, but usually I'll use a Topstitching needle 90/14.

I change my needle if I use different fabric, such as flannel or denim, I don't change the needle as often when I just use cotton fabrics. I have gone to using the titanium needles and REALLY like those.

change it when you feel the need! at least after every large project! if paper piecing change it more often..

here is a link to a topic I posted on the subject of needles! In it is a link that will help you learn more about them!

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-123199-1.htm

Was surfing last nite & found http://genertions-quilt-patterns.com

with some really good info. I printed it off for a quick & easy reference. I have no affiliation w/them but thought the info was clear & concise.

I like to use Organ titanium needles. They are sharp and strong and last about 5 times longer.

I am going to try Organ titaniums on my long arm too.

Gloria

Titanium needles only have a very thin layer of titanium on the outside of the needle. If they break, they do no more or less damage than a regular needle would.
http://www.superiorthreads.com/educa...coated-needles This explains it better than I can. I use and love titanium needles. Some of them have broken in my machine for the same reason a regular needle would with no harm done to the workings of the bobbin or the shaft.

I usually break them before they get dull LOL. My "trick" is forgetting to change the presser foot when switching to zig zag and - ooops broken needle. Or going too fast and hitting a pin.

I use the titanium needles from Superior. I had signed up for the Quilters Daily Deal and was able to purchase them at 1/2 price. So I stocked up. You can usually "hear" the needle telling you to "change me". It's the pop,pop,pop, sound.

THATS EXACTLY WHAT I DO ALSO.

My problem isn't so much not changing often enough, or not changing when doing something completely different (ie paper piecing vs piecing batiks), my problem is that I sew so infrequently and don't necessarily finish project A and launch into project B in the same day - so by the time I go back into the sewing room I forget what needle is in the machine. Some (all?) needles have markings on the shank that tell you what they are, but my husband took my mag glass to his shop so I'll be darned if I can see what the markings are! So I don't know where to put it back into my needle collection! I need a good "habit" ...perhaps taping the needle case to the top of the machine so I know which needle is in there or something like that. Of course that will only help when I pull a needle from a case of all like needles - I think I still have a pkg of "mixed" that is my main problem. I won't be buying mixed size pkgs anymore.

As for changing needles ... If I keep the same needle in the machine from start to finish through a project I'll change it at the end of the project. Otherwise I'll leave it in until I have a failure of some kind (ie the pop or thwack it makes when it hits the fabric, or thread breakage not caused by other means).

Currently I use Schmetz and I have some Klasse. Might give those organ titanium's a try the next time I need needles. I just bought 7 pkgs various sizes/types (Schmetz) on an amazing sale (70% off with my completed thread card and the purchase of 10 additional spools of thread!!).

Thank you - I bookmarked them. Be ordering soon!

I try to change my needle with each new project----notice I said "try"!

probably not as often as I should. I do change it with every project.

I have gotten the same answer from several repair / service men over the years. :lol:

maybe the old machines were not so fussy but I have 2 very expensive machines and was told when I bought them to change the needle after every 8 hours of sewing or each new project or when starts a thumping noise as a dull needle can cause damage to the bobbin casing and is very expensive for a new one I try to buy my needles at Joanns with a coupn

Buy more magnifying glasses! I have about six around the house. We use them all the time. The cable guy even borrowed one when he was behind the tv to read the tv markings. You got a great deal on the needles!

I used to let it go until the needle broke, but have learned that if I change after each large project, my machine seems to run smoother, and at least quieter

I start a new quilt with a new needle. Schmetz #14 Quilting or Universal. Quilting seems to punch through the fabric easier than Universal.

I learned this with my new machine. Also cleaning out the lint in the bobbin area. Take the plate off and clean it out. It is worth the time in smooth sewing.