How often do you change needles?
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: The Deep South near Cajun Country, USA
Posts: 5,434
I use titanium embroidery needles and change them when I hear them start to pop as they go through the fabric. I have no idea of how many hours of sewing that is, but it is a lot!
#17
I change after every quilt, religiously. I also take a permanent marker and mark the top of the needle so that way I can keep track of my needles and if I need to make a fast repair on something, I know to grab the needles that are marked instead of a new one. The needle may not be sharp enough for my needs when I'm quilting, but it's still plenty sharp enough for a fast repair or another project that's not as big as a quilt. After a quilt, though, I'm breaking down my machine to clean and oil it, so it makes sense to me to put in a new needle then.
I'm also one that will take a second and dust out underneath the throat plate and around the race when I'm changing out bobbins. Although here lately, I have to stop what I'm doing about midway through a bobbin to clean everything out, the fuzz that's been collecting has been much more than usual. Not sure what's up with that
I'm also one that will take a second and dust out underneath the throat plate and around the race when I'm changing out bobbins. Although here lately, I have to stop what I'm doing about midway through a bobbin to clean everything out, the fuzz that's been collecting has been much more than usual. Not sure what's up with that
#20
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 16,410
Machine needles are least expensive item we use for sewing. I change needles often. And when I change to a different size needle I don't try to save the needle I took out too much hassle to keep up with what size and all and how used it is. I buy standard size needles in bulk and speciality sizes when I need them.