Originally Posted by
quilttiger
Aw, I am sorry to hear that. The repair guy is correct about using an ordinary sewing machine needle. Because of the tight space in the needle area, it can be tricky to put in a needle, especially since the needles are kinda close to each other. Try using one of these gadgets for holding a sewing machine needle in place while you install it. Most needles have a flat side, and the gadget's opening has a flat side. This makes it easier to make sure the needle is facing the right direction while it is being put in.
Thanks for the advice Quilttiger and Emmy. A mirror may help, but where do I find a gadget to hold the needle? I've never heard of that. My serger is more than 25 years old, and I don't remember ever having broken a needle before.
I was using a needle nose-pliers and a long tweezers, but that was not good enough. My repair guy is about 30 miles away, but I'm going that way in about two weeks, so I'll wait.