How do I know when I need to replace my sewing machine needle? I just started sewing/quilting about a month ago, but I have been doing a lot of sewing/quilting. It seems fine so far, but not sure how to know.

Thanks AGAIN for answering my many questions.

it is not how long you have had it in the machine, but how much time you have been sewing with it...

http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmac...roubleshot.htm



you will notice a difference when it gets dull.

i change mine after a quilt project. piecing and quilting..works for me.

i know that some say to change after 8 hours of sewing..

I change mine pretty often, as a matter of principal always before I start quilting because with quilting a dull needle is even less forgiving than with piecing. Usually I notice it while sewing, when the needle needs replacing because of a slight plopping sound when the needle goes through the fabric.

I change mine with each completed project. It is so easy and that way I never have problems.

This. And my Home Ec teacher gave me great advice, years ago. Don't change the needle at the end of a project, just take it out. That way when you sit down to a new project you don't have to try and remember if you've changed the needle yet. You know you haven't yet if there's no needle in the machine. Put the new one in and you're ready to go!

I put in a new needles every time I start a new project and when I start to quilt.

the normal recommendation is:
with every new project -- OR--
after every 8 hours of sewing time.

a dull needle causes uneven and skipped stitches... if you are having either of these problems it is over due time for a needle change.

When your needle gets dull, you will notice that the stitches make a soft "pop" sound when the needle pierces the fabric. I like to change my needles often, but sometimes I get into "sew mode" for hours and I forget. That little pop sound reminds me.

I agree with the Casual quilter. You can hear the pop,pop, and you know ou should have changed the needle. I don't change when I start a new project. I use the titanium needles and they do last longer.

What a good question, I remember going to my very first Workshop, at Loch Lomond quilt show, and the teacher asked us when we changed our needle, answer - when it broke, what needle did we use - answer anyone that fits!

She then gave us a lesson on the importance of good needles, and how bad ones can ruin your machine, since then I change mine frequently, I buy them by the 100.

A good guide is approximately 8 hours sewing or 10 bobbin refills, but I do as the other ladies when I start a new project.