How do you store and keep track of your machine sewing needles?
Hi again,
I am looking for ideas for machine sewing needle storage. I have been way too relaxed about which needles I use and when I change them. Now that I am reorganizing, this seems like an area I can improve in. I'm interested in any suggestions. Thank you and happy sewing, lots2do |
I use a small box (I think it's about 4x6) intended for embroidery floss. I probably bought it at Joanns. There are sections in the box that I use to organize the needles by size or type. I never put a used needle back in the original case. I have a 'tomato' pin cushion that I have marked into sections - each section is labeled according to the different types/sizes of machine needles. When I put a needle into my machine- either a new one or a used one from the pin cushion- I use a pin to mark the corresponding area on the pin cushion. No more guessing what type or size needle size is in my machine! Works for me!
|
I have a nice 4x6 box too. I never put a used needle back in its original case, and I don't save them. If its been used, it's done.
|
I keep used machine needles in a pill bottle with a lid. I never put a used needle in my machine.
|
I keep my packaged needles in a small clear box. I have seen hints that either you can use a light colored fabric or pincushion and place hardly used needles under marked sections on type of needles. I really liked when Schmetz started marking the needles with a dab of color.
|
When I'm done with a needle, I use pliers and curl then toss. This way no one gets stuck. I also used take a small piece of cardboard or old stock and shove the needle into it without going out the other side. Again no one gets hurt.
|
Needles are too inexpensive to spend my time saving them. Once it's out of my machine it's goes in the trash doesn't matter if I use it for an hour or a week. My new needles, which I have over 100 packs, are stored in pretty metal tin.
|
I have a narrow but long plastic bin I found who knows where that my needle packs fit into. I organize them smallest size up front and larger sizes to the back. Odd numbers such as for metallic, jeans, topstitching get put after the regular size needles.
|
Wow! Great ideas. Thank you all!
|
Unless it is a quick use changeout (like sewing silk thread for a small project) then back to my regular wt, I also toss my machine needles out. I use empty plastic water bottles, preferably the small ones.
I store my new unused ones in their original packs. I do need a better way to hold those packs. I had a class where the teacher suggested using one of those large tomato shaped pincushions. The tomato is "divided up" by lines and marked for quilting, microtex, etc, but I didn't like the method very well, since it wasn't going down to needle size, just type. I have seen those magnetic needle holders that are sized like this one: Blue Feather myPad For Needles Machine Needle Organizer. I don't know how well they work. |
All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:40 AM. |