How can one tell when a sewing machine needle is dull?

**kc7fys** · 11-08-2010, 08:25

Does it make a certain sound? Mine seems to work, but on the other hand, I've sewn miles of seams with it.

**KerMegan** · 11-08-2010, 08:32

best advice is a new needle for each (major) project...jacket/poncho/tarp = major, stuff sack = minor..
sleeping bag/quilt = major, overcover or taco shell = minor..
hope that helps!KM

**PapaSmurf** · 11-08-2010, 09:11

Soon as the swearing starts, I change the needle. Often fixes the problem.

**gargoyle** · 11-08-2010, 09:16

Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

Soon as the swearing starts, I change the needle. Often fixes the problem.

They don't make enough needles, somedays

**Lonely Raven** · 11-08-2010, 10:01

Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

Soon as the swearing starts, I change the needle. Often fixes the problem.

Originally Posted by gargoyle

They don't make enough needles, somedays

These two posts right here are gold!

**seuss** · 11-08-2010, 10:25

It'll make more of a "popping" sound as the neede goes through the fabric. Especially with taut ripstop.

**magiccitymatt** · 11-08-2010, 11:23

Touch it. Or better yet get a friend to touch it. Sharp needles actually hurt less. You can usually tell by how loud they yell or what kind of swearing they use.
I'm sorry i should have warned you guys that I was born evil.

**samiam2714** · 11-08-2010, 12:14

I usually break them before they get dull.

**Rat** · 11-08-2010, 12:18

Run it across your fingernail or thumbnail; if it grabs it's still sharp, if not it isn't. Many times it will bind on the downstroke, especially in heavier material or when running a bar tack when it gets dull.

**Ramblinrev** · 11-08-2010, 15:11

When in doubt... change it out. They are cheap enough.

CAUTION... Do NOT put a dull needle back in the case it came out of. It is so tempting to do that so that no one gets stuck by throwing away. If that is a concern take a small piece of corrugated cardboard and bury the needle deep in the inside. That will shield the point. Any thing else and you are likely to pick it out of the case and use it again. Thus defeating the point of changing it out.