How do you know when to change needles (sewing machine)?
How do you check them, when you have a drwer full of loose ones?
Slack
How do you know when to change needles (sewing machine)?
How do you check them, when you have a drwer full of loose ones?
Slack
good questionOriginally Posted by Slackdaddy
Each project starts with a fresh MicroTex needle in my sewing machine. Your sewing machine, fabric and project will thank you for it. Needles are not a place I care to cut corners.
Just my $0.02
I agree with a new needle for a new project.
I also check by running the end of my fingernail across the point. You can feel if there is any damage.
Another way is when you test sew on a scrap piece for tension and stitch length adjustments before starting, you can hear a pop sound when the needle end is damaged. Therefore, refer to the first line.
I better change my needle
Conventional wisdom says to get a fresh needle every 8-10 hours of sewing.
I sew things on youtube.
I don’t sew on commission, so please don’t ask. Thanks.
I like the people above, start with a new needle for each project.
Some fabrics seem to dull needles really fast.
If stitching is starting to deteriorate, check the threading and then change the needle.
Keep your needles in their packaging, being loose is not a good plan.
I guess if you have a microscope you could check for burrs, bends, dull etc.
Really just start new, then if you leave a project of awhile like a month or more, restart with a fresh needle.
Like mentioned 8 - 10 hours is the usual number you see. That said most recommendations are based on industrial sewing. So each shift in a textile factory would see a shift change and a needle change. Most of us don't run anywhere near the volume a worker on an industrial machine can put out in a 10 hour run. You could probably extend that out without much issue assuming you don't sew over a needle or something like that.
General wisdom for DIY is just put in a new needle for each major project. Even if you are going to Joanns and paying retail for Schmetz brand you're only talking a buck a needle or so vs the cost of the materials. A dollar is pretty cheap insurance. If you go through a supply house like WaWak you can get generic brand Orange or Organ (which industrial companies buy unashamedly) for $1 - $2 for a 10 pack. That's what I do and for a 0.15 average cost for a needle I throw them out all the time and start new.
Probably a dumb question. How do you dispospe of the needles without the risk of someone accidently getting speared?
I thread inject at my daughter's work place. I wrap up the discard needle in cardboard, yet I worry about the scroungers and rubish haulers getting hurt, let alone the dumpster divers.
I do the same thing. Wrap in paper or cardboard, secure with tape, and throw away. I do the same thing with my razor blades.
I sew things on youtube.
I don’t sew on commission, so please don’t ask. Thanks.
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