Since 1992
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By Ron Blake
Sewing machine needles do not last forever, and you need to replace them as necessary. In addition, sewing over pins can not only damage a needle but also your machine.
So, how often do you need to replace a needle and why? You should always change your needle after 4 to 6 hours of sewing time as the tip will become worn and burrs on the needle can damage your fabric, needle plate and even the hook. Skipped stitches may occur with a worn or damaged needle.
It is also important not to sew over pins, as the needle can easily hit the pin, creating a burr or blunting the needle. The pin can break and be pushed into the sewing machine. It can then cause damage to the internal parts, such as the hook.
On occasion, customers bring their machines in for repair because they notice bad stitch quality. One example is large loops on the bobbin side of the stitching caused simply by a needle that has struck a pin and was bent into a hook. There are other problems caused by a blunted or burred needle.
Sometimes replacing the needle is all that is required; other times, the timing has to be fixed because the needle bar may now be out of alignment. So be sure to change your needle regularly, and please do not sew over pins.
Ron Blake is president of Cote Bros. Sewing Machines, 293 Auburn Road (Route 4) Turner.
