Good Use of Price Stickers
09-23-2012, 02:52 PM
#43
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Southern Tier, NY
Posts: 529
I change my needle when starting a new project and usually while about halfway through when I am FMQ. I always
clean out the bobbin case when putting in a new bobbin. I will also oil it by every 3rd or 4th bobbin change. It doesn't take very long and it makes a lot of difference in the way the machine sews.
clean out the bobbin case when putting in a new bobbin. I will also oil it by every 3rd or 4th bobbin change. It doesn't take very long and it makes a lot of difference in the way the machine sews.
09-23-2012, 04:12 PM
#45
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Blue Springs, Missouri
Posts: 2,481
The needle manufacturers say you're supposed to change it every 8 hours. But that's actual sewing time. I know I don't change mine quite that often but I do change it pretty regular. Since I have several types and sizes of needles I bought a plastic organizer thing that's just the right size to hold the needle packages. I think it's supposed to be for beads. Anyway, I put a button in the space that I take the needle out of. If I use a needle but it's still good I put it back in loose and that way I know it's still good but not brand new. The different color buttons in the box are for different machines.
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09-23-2012, 05:15 PM
#46
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Oak Ridge,TN
Posts: 823
I tend to just change my needles when I hear the thunking noise. I always say I'm going to do better, but then get busy and forget. I use the price stickers to label my pieces when I cut them so I can tell at a glance which piece is which.
09-23-2012, 05:19 PM
#47
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Finger Lakes, NY
Posts: 1,873
I have a dry erase board near my machine and I write down the size of needle and date each time I change it. I also write down any tips I need to make the quilt I'm working on or # of blockes needed, etc. For used needles that can be used again, I saved empty needle cases for each size needle I use and put the used needle in there. FOr example, I save a 90/14 needle in an empty 90/14 case. I write "used" on the package so I know it's not a sole new needle left in the case.
09-23-2012, 05:40 PM
#48
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Helena, Alabama
Posts: 735
I confess I do not change my needle unless it's broke/bent or the machine starts sounding "funny"; however, I do clean out those dust bunnies almost everytime I'm finished sewing. Thanks for gently reminding me to do better and be mindful of my wonderful machine!
09-23-2012, 06:29 PM
#49
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Rocky Mountains
Posts: 1,866
I was told that the main reason to change a blunt needle is to keep the fabric from being damaged. With that said, I change my needle when it has hit to many pins, broken, or it makes that 'thump' sound. I am lazy and tight so believe I am saving myself some work ad some money!
09-23-2012, 06:40 PM
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,007
Great minds think alike! lol.... My version is this: I use a post it note that I keep in a drawer by my machines. It has 2 purposes, first I use it to slip over my throat plate so when I change the needle it won't slip down into my machine. The 2nd one is to mark which needle I have removed if it is still ok to use. I also made a Needle Saver pincushion for used needles that are still good. Unfortunately, that was before I began quilting! I have no place to put my quilting needles! lol
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