Changing the needle of a sewing machine is a really a boring task. But, you can’t skip it. You can face many issue, if the needle is old.
To avoid all the issue you have to change the needle regularly. Some people especially the beginners face little problem while changing the needle. Some people get confused that in what interval they should change the needle. Before moving forward you should study about Types of sewing machine needles. Because different types of fabrics need different needles.
Here in this article we will give the step by step process of replacing the sewing machine needle. Let’s go…
Steps For Changing The Sewing Machine Needle
Here is the step by step process of changing a sewing machine needle. Follow the steps accordingly.
1. Power Off The Sewing Machine
Before starting the process, always make sure that the sewing machine is switched off. As you will put the finger under the needle and you may hurt your finger. So power off the machine.
2. Lower The Presser Foot
Now, lower the presser foot using the presser feet lever. When you lower the presser foot, you get little extra space to change the needle.
3. Raise the Needle To The Highest Position
Now raise the needle to the highest position by moving the handwheel towards you. Because when the needle is down you don’t get enough space to pull the needle down and insert a new one.
4. Loosen The Screw And Remove The Old Needle
Now, hold the needle with your left hand. Then loose the screw by using a screw driver. Just put the screw driver in the grove and turn the screw driver towards you, until the needle becomes loose. Once you feel the needle has become loose, then gently pull it out.
While removing the needle, always check and remember on which side the flat section of the needle is. In my sewing machine, the flat section of the needle is facing the back and the curved section is facing the front.
5. Insert The New needle
Now take the new needle. Always make sure that flat section goes in the same direction as it was in before. As in my case it was facing back.
Hold the needle and slightly push the needle up into the groove. Push the needle until it hits the needle stopper.
Then tighten up the screw using the screw driver. Tighten it by turning the screw driver colckwise that is away from you. But don’t overtighten. You may struggle while removing the needle.
Now it’s done. You have successfully changed the needle of your sewing machine.
6. Check
Now double check the needle, if it is firmly placed or not. Lower the presser foot and turn the hand wheel to check if the needle runs smoothly or not.
And its done. Now you have to rethread the sewing machine. You can go through How to thread a sewing machine to do it easily.
Why Do We Need To Change The Sewing Machine Needle
As beginner anyone can think, if the needle is in good condition at least from the outside then why it is needed to change the needle? What will happen if we will not change the needle?
After frequent use the needle becomes dull, bent and damaged. When the needle goes up down of the fabric, then with the friction the original factory finish became dull. It may feel sharp to the fingers. This can affect the quality of stitches.
Different types of fabric needs different needles. So, you need to change the needle according to the fabric.
This process is applicable to almost all the brands of sewing machine. More or less it will same in every brand like Brother, Singer etc.
When To Change Your Sewing Machine Needle
It is advised to change the sewing machine needle regularly. Also it depends upon how often you use the machine and the fabric you use. Generally it is said that the needle should be changed in every 10 hours of use.
After using it for some time the needle becomes dull and damaged and it cant pull the fabric. This can result in uneven stitching.
The Signs To Check The Needle Need To Be Changed
A new needle is sharp enough to punch through the fabric easily. But when the needle is old, you get so many issues while sewing. Lets Check them..
- Skipped or uneven stitches.
- Torn or broken thread or pulling on the threads.
- Damage or puckering in the fabric.
- The needle struggles to go through the fabric.
When you notice any one one of the above, then you should change the needle. A brand new sewing machine will easily punch through fabric and provide seamless stitching.
Conclusion
Here in the above, we have discussed about the detailed step by step process of changing a sewing machine needle. Just go through the process and repeat this in your sewing multiple times and you mastered the technique. It will definitely help you in long run.
