Machine sewers...how often do you change needles?

[lucysmam]

Unless you're switching from one fabric to another that requires a different needle, how often do you change needle?

I've recently started sewing again & was wondering if I should be changing mine more often

[TimelyNameChangey]

Erm....when they break. Why...am I meant to do it more often?

[FunkyPeacock]

Yep, agree with timely

I only use one type of needle whatever the fabric and only put a new one on when one breaks

[dawntigga]

After every corset - they are a bugger on needles. Or when needed. I check the needle before sewing to make sure it is sharp and there are no spurs etc.

IBuyInBulkOffEbayTiggaxx

[lucysmam]

Oh, I was always taught to use a different needle for each fabric (so a finer one for satin than polycotton for eg).

I just wondered if I should change with each item I'm making really (obvs. change when it breaks or starts skipping stitches).

[StainlessSteelCat]

I asked in a shop about this recently and the "official" advice is to change after every project. When pushed, this was changed to after about 8 hours of sewing.

[lucysmam]

I'll try changing with each new project then in the interest of seeing if it makes a difference.

[willotess]

You can hear when the needle is blunt as it makes a tink tink sound as it sews. But I tell my students to change their needles after eight hours of sewing.

[lucysmam]

aaah, thanks willo, I wondered why my machine was tinging at me last weekend come to think about it!

[blackheartsgirl]

This is a daft question but can you only use a sewing machine needle made for that particular machine or can you just stick any old needle on.

[lucysmam]

I just buy cheap ones from the market for mine - I don't even think my machine has needles specific to it, so long as they have a flat back they fit it iyswim?

Long answer short - I don't think it matters but maybe someone more knowledgeable will be along to correct me

[blackheartsgirl]

Thank you, I'll try the ones from the market. I've never changed a sewing machine needle before! Its all new

[willotess]

If you go along to a sewing shop where they sell machines take a look at the needles! You can get universal needles, or specific to your machine, fine ones, thick ones, needles for jeans, knitted and stretch fabrics, for leather, machine embroidery, expensive ones (more cost effective) and cheap ones.
So it does matter what you buy and what you want them for.
But generally a good brand of universal needles in various sizes would be sufficient for most general sewing projects.
Remember to put the flat edge towards the back of the machine and insert it as high as it will go before you tighten the screw!

[Firedemon]

Change to a thin one of I'm sewing particularly wafty fabric and a fatter one for denim etc. but mostly just stick a 12 or 14 on there and use it til it snaps or starts snagging the fabric

[GobTheGoblin]

I change the needle for every project or approx six (sewing) hours. It does make a difference, the machine runs quieter and the stiches are more even and neater.