How can you tell.......
08-31-2011, 10:47 AM
#41
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 1,501
I used to change my needle when it broke or wasn't sewing well. When I got my Bernina, 10 years ago, I started changing the needle with each new project or after about 8 hours of sewing if it is a large project.
08-31-2011, 11:54 AM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Upstate NY, north of Syracuse Area
Posts: 6,003
Originally Posted by Treasureit
I change my needle only when I have a problem or it breaks. Sewing machine dealers are like any other saleperson - sell sell sell! If it works I use it.
08-31-2011, 12:54 PM
#43
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Rocky Mountains
Posts: 1,866
Whenever I am working on knits or nylon fabric, I put in a new needle & if I hit a pin I change it. Dull needles will make holes or make the fabric run. When I'm working on cottons, I don't change as often as I should. I am cheap & try to get the most out of it as I can. I need to break the habit & start spending a little more on neeedles.
08-31-2011, 01:02 PM
#44
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Lowell, MA
Posts: 14,083
The "rule" is after every 8-10 hours of sewing, advice from a sewing machine dealer, or at least every project, but I change my needle when I notice it isn't stitching quite right, or it starts to skip stitches. I do, however, change the needle when I start to machine quilt, because by then I've spent a lot of time sewing the quilt top or one or two more and it needs to be changed.
08-31-2011, 01:13 PM
#45
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 8
Dull needles actually poke holes in your fabric, so you don't want to keep needles for too long, or your quilt will not last as long. I change mine every project, or about 10-12 hours of sewing. You can "feel" your needle to see if it is dull, a new needle feels sharp, and does not have burrs on it. If it doesn't feel sharp, or you can feel bumps along the sides, it is time to replace it.
08-31-2011, 01:24 PM
#46
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Tucker, GA
Posts: 2,042
I think I've changed the needle maybe 5 times in 25 years, and made probably 50-75 projects in that time. (quilts, Halloween costumes, dog coats, etc) I only change the needle when it bends, breaks or gets obvious that it needs it. This isn't about $$$. I just don't think about it. However, I sew with a 1940 cast iron Singer. I'd probably do things differently if I changed machines....which will be NEVER!!!!
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