Every now and then my machine's tension is wacky. It'll be loose for inches--then okay--then loose. Grrr. I rethread the machine and redo the bobbin. I change the tension setting dial (according to the advice in the manual). Sometimes one of those works. When none of them do, I change the needle and all is well. WHY does that work??

My bet is that the needle works loose from its correct position. The knob that holds the needle in place may gradually loosen with stitching. When you change the needle, you position the new needle correctly. Try repositioning the old needle and see if that works just as well!

Of course, sometimes a needle will become slightly bent (from hitting pins, or from heavy-handed manipulation of the fabric as it is feeding, or from who-knows-why usage). When this is the case, you have to put in a new needle. I've often compared the old needle to the new one before replacing, and noticed that the old needle has a slight bend to it in some direction.

Several years ago, my needle fell out completely. I had no idea until then that vibration was undoing the screw. I tighten it every so often now.

Great question and great responses...I, for one, don't change my needle nearly often enough...and I'm going to make that tightening part of my regular checklist. Thanks for mentioning this!

Thank you!! It wasn't long ago I changed the needle--so I saved it. Glad I did. Just one more lesson learned. And after the wall hanging I'm working on now--that's #9,741 :wink: :roll:

Sometimes the needle will get a little bur on it also. Can usually tell by feeling it.

When I start hearing that "clunk, clunk, clunk" when the needle enters the fabric, I know it's now dull and needs to be changed. If my thread starts shreading and breaking, I know it's gotten a burr or rough spot and needs changing. I haven't tried re-tightening, but I will now. That was a good tip. I never thought about effect of vibration.

Thanks for asking, I ask the same thing. Good answers. I get the thread breaking sometimes. My machine is busy at least 4-5 hrs a day every day, on some days more.

My new machine was skipping stitches and just not sewing good. I rethreaded and changed thread and nothing helped. I even changed the bobbin. About that time the needle fell out and after replacing it I didn't have anymore trouble. I think the needle gets loose from vibration.

I always tighten the needle as it seems with vibration it comes loose.

Karen

Thanks for this tip. I have never thought to check to see if the needle was tight.

I would never have thought to check this, thank you for bringing this up :D:D:D

Hmmm.....I wouldn't have thought of this either!
THANKS!

Ditto!!! :-D

BTW - I keep slightly dull needles and use them for PP - that blunts needles really quickly!

slightly dull needles are also good for hanging pictures

My needle has fallen out when using the walking foot, not once but twice; broke them both. I now tighten while sewing.