Needles should be changed regularly. It would be best if you didn’t use them beyond their lifespan. Don’t try to repair them yourself unless you know what you’re doing.
Choosing a Needle Size
The size of the needle is determined by the type of fabric you are using and the thickness of thread or yarn that you want to sew with. The most common sizes for needles are:
• US 1 (2 mm): Used for lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, wool, and some synthetics. It’s also used for embroidery threads.
• US 2 (3 mm): This size works well for medium-weight fabrics such as denim, corduroy, leather, suede, and synthetics; it can also be used for embroidery.
• US 3 (4 mm): This size is best suited for heavier fabrics such as denim, canvas, twill, and other woven materials; it’s also good for heavy embroidery threads. US 4 (5 mm) is similar to US 3 but slightly larger.
• US 5 (6 mm): This size will work on fine and medium-weight fabrics.
• US 6 (7 mm): This size has a large eye for working with thicker fabrics.
• Universal: These sizes have a wide range of uses. They are useful for all fabrics, including lightweight ones like rayon.
How to Put a Needle in Your Sewing Machine
There are two ways of changing a needle: by hand or with a tool. If your machine has an automatic needle-changing feature, it will automatically replace the old needle for you when you. However, if you don’t have this feature, you can change the needle manually or use a special tool.
Changing needles by hand
If your machine doesn’t have an automatic needle-changing function, you’ll need to remove the presser foot and then lift it on the top cover to see the needle. The needle is located at the bottom of the machine. Remove the needle from its holder and slide it out through the hole where the presser foot attaches to the machine. Slide the new needle into place and reattach the presser foot.
If you have a manual stitch length adjustment dial, turn it until the needle reaches the desired position. Then lock the dial in place.
Changing needles using a tool
You can also change a needle without removing the presser foot. There are several tools available that make this task easier. These include:
Needle threaders
These devices come in various shapes and sizes. They all work by inserting the end of the needle into the eye of the hook on the front side of the bobbin case. This allows you to remove the old needle and insert the new one easily. Some models have a built-in cutter, which makes cutting the thread after stitching much faster than cutting the thread while holding the needle.
Needle clippers
These devices allow you to clip off the end of the needle and the eye of the hook. A good pair of needle clippers will last for years.
Needle holders
Some machines have a small slot in the baseplate that holds the needle. Other machines require you to hold the needle between your thumb and forefinger. In any case, it’s important to keep the needle straight and not bend it.
Needle pushers
This device pushes the needle forward as you sew. It’s useful when working with thick fabric because it helps prevent the needle from catching on the material.
Needle pullers
This tool pulls the needle back toward the operator. It’s helpful when working with thin fabrics because it prevents the needle from getting caught on the fabric.