Why Changing Your Sewing Needle Matters
Changing Your Sewing Machine Needle is the Secret to Happy Stitching
Let’s talk about something ‘sew’ important (pun intended): changing your sewing machine needle.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—“Do I really need to?” If you can’t remember the last time you swapped it out, the answer is a resounding YES. Your needle is not immortal, no matter how much you wish it were. It gets dull, bent, and tired—just like us after a marathon sewing session. 😅
So, let’s break down why you need to change that tiny but mighty tool and how often you should do it!
A Sharp Needle = Happy Stitches
Think of your sewing machine needle like a kitchen knife. A dull one doesn’t cut well, right? The same goes for needles! A blunt needle can:
❌ Snag and pull delicate fabrics (cue the heartbreak)
❌ Skip stitches like it’s playing hopscotch
❌ Struggle to pierce multiple layers
❌ Create messy, uneven stitches
A fresh needle, on the other hand? Smooth sailing—or rather, smooth stitching!
Different Fabrics Need = Different Needles
Sewing thick denim with a universal needle is like hiking in flip-flops—technically possible, but a terrible idea. Different fabrics require different needles for the best results:
👖 Denim/Heavyweight fabrics → Use a denim needle (stronger & sharper!)
✂️ Knit fabrics → Use a ballpoint or stretch needle (so you don’t poke holes in your fabric) . The needle spreads the fibres, rather tna piercing it.
📍 Delicate fabrics like silk → Use a microtex/sharp needle (so you don’t create snags)
Choosing the right needle is like picking the right tool for the job—your fabric will thank you.
Image Courtesy of William Gee
Old Needles Cause Drama (And We Don’t Have Time for That)
If your sewing machine is suddenly acting up, your needle might be the problem. Bent or dull needles can cause:
⚠️ Skipped stitches
⚠️ Thread breakage
⚠️ Tension issues
⚠️ That horrible *clunking* sound that makes your heart stop
Instead of jumping to worst-case scenarios (like blaming your sewing machine entirely), or messing with the tension, try changing the needle first. You’d be amazed at how many “machine problems” are actually just old needle problems!
How Often Should You Change Your Needle?
Here’s a good rule of thumb:
🔄 Every 6-8 hours of sewing (yes, really)
🔄 At the start of every big project
🔄 Immediately if you hear weird noises or see skipped stitches
🔄 If you’ve sewn over a pin… (we’ve all done it, no judgment!)
Basically, if in doubt—swap it out! It’s a small change that makes a huge difference in your sewing.
How To Replace Your Needle?
Turn your sewing machine off - Safety 1st!
(Optional) Raise the presser foot and place fabric/paper underneath - this prevents the needle dropping into the machine
Lower the presser foot - for easy access.
Raise the needle to the highest position.
Using the tool provided by the manufacturer or a small screwdriver, loosen the needle screw by turning it counterclockwise (toward you), keeping hold of the needle.
Pull the old needle out.
Insert the new needle with the flat side facing the back of the machine. Push it up all the way.
Tighten the needle screw by turning it clockwise (away from you). I tneeds to be tight but not so tight that you can’t loosen it in future!
These instructions are good for the majority of machines, but please check your manual if in doubt.
Bonus Tips
📍If you’re unsure what size & type of needle you have in your machine, use the magnifier on your phone & you may discover that it’s engraved onto the shank & Schmetz needles have a handy colour code system that helps you to easily identify their needles, (see below).
📍You’ll notice that on many brands there 2 number systems are used. These mean the same thing! 8-21 is the US system & 60-130 is the European system.
📍Low numbers such as 8/60 are used for finer fabrics such as silk & higher numbers are 18/110 are for thicker fabrics such as denim.
📍Keep a note by your machine of the needle type & when it was changed.
📍Ensure that you are using the correct type of thread for the needle type too!
📍Always test a new needle on they fabric that you are using.
Close up of a sewing machine needle shank
Image courtesy of Shmetz
Your Sewing Machine Will Love You For It!
Think of changing your needle as a little act of kindness for your sewing machine. It keeps your stitches looking great, helps prevent frustration, and ensures your machine stays in top shape. So go ahead—give your needle a fresh start.
When was the last time you changed yours? Be honest!
I cover changing needles & much more in my beginners classes - want to find out more?
