SandySews

I change my needle pretty often depending on the fabric. I put a small piece of scotch tape on top of my machine and write the needle size on it. So if I need to hem jeans I know to change the needle and the tape. Maybe next day I want to piece and look at the tape I know to change it. I then change the needle and tape again. Also I keep the "little used needle" by labeling the size and storing it for the next time I need it.

sweetlummi

OMG I know never even thought about it. LOL when it break there its time

eparys

I am in the "when it is needed" camp. I try not to wait until it breaks, but I can usually hear and see the difference in the stitch between and sharp and dull needle. I am also in the camp of "run over the needles" which also limits their life (lol - despite the fact that I slow down there is an occasional nick). I usually I have several projects going on at once .... so "after I finish a project" never works for me.

tessagin

Depends on what the project is and the material. When I dispose of a needle I find something I can stick both ends into and wrap in a small piece of paper of something. Friend of mine disposed of some old needles because they had rusted (she got them out of an old broken machine). One poked her. She got a really bad infection. Now she saves old medicine bottles just for that purpose of getting rid of broken or rusty needles. If I'm sewing on denim or a heavy fabric like it, I will use a denim or heavy duty needle.

sap

I'm with you

solstice3

when it breaks ;-)

sherryl1

Dealers give out info that benefits them.It might also benefit you.But don't count on it.Do what works.

MargeD

I know I've told to change my needle every 8 hours of sewing, or at least after each project. However, I do forget to change the needle that frequently, until my machine starts acting differently and the stitches aren't right, and then I know it's time to change the needle. Maybe I should keep better track, but as long as my stitches are fine, I'll leave the needle in.

maviskw

I break needles when I forget to change the presser foot when I change to zig-zag. That is happening a lot less than it used to; I'm learning!

A week ago I broke a needle trying to hem a pair of denim jeans. I tried to stagger those thick places, but I hit something! Pinnnngggg!

I have lots of broken needles to put into my walls to hang small wall hangings and light pictures and such. When they come out, no one is the wiser. You can't see the small holes they make.

dmackey

I change my needle when I hear that "pluck" sound it makes going through the fabric. As long as it is sharp, no sound, but a dull needle makes that noise. Otherwise I only change the needle based on the type of fabric I use. When I have threads that seem to break a lot at the needle, I change out to a metallic thread needle.