Needle keeps falling out!
#1
Needle keeps falling out!
This happens so frequently when free motion quilting or even using my walking foot. What's going on? I've tried using different needles but it doesn't make a difference. It's happening with small quilts that just have W&N batting so they're not that thick. I'm using Aurifil thread and have a Babylock Ellure machine.
Does anyone else have this problem? What do I need to do?
FMQ and even walking foot work are just a miserable task with this problem.
Does anyone else have this problem? What do I need to do?
FMQ and even walking foot work are just a miserable task with this problem.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Richmond, KY
Posts: 742
When you free motion, do you use a foot that hooks over the needle screw? If so, that is working the screw loose. My walking foot has a small plastic piece that fits over the round part of that screw and it keeps the overlapping part from loosening the screw. I hope this explanation is clear!
#4
When I use my walking foot, it needs to be tightened every few minutes. In fact, I tighten the screw that holds the foot on as well as the one holding the needle. Think all that "action" just works it loose. It's a pain.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
It could also be that the screw is stripped (the screw that holds the needle in place), which means you would need to get a replacement screw.
Edit: When I first got my machine years ago, I was cautioned against over-tightening that screw. I was told that over-tightening could strip the screw.
Edit: When I first got my machine years ago, I was cautioned against over-tightening that screw. I was told that over-tightening could strip the screw.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,563
Check the owner's manual for your sewing machine and make sure you're inserting the needle correctly. I have 7 machines. One has the flat side of the needle placed facing the rear of the machine. Another one has the flat side on the left. A third machine uses round needles, meaning there is no flat side at the top of the needle. If you're using a flat needle in a machine that uses round ones, I could see it coming loose and falling out.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
Use a small screwdriver or pliers to tighten the screw-especially when using the walking foot. But, don't be over zealous. Finger tightening may not be sufficient. Also, be sure the needle is facing the right direction.
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
I have quilted over 1,000 quilts and never have had this happen on my Bernina. I would ask the person who services your machine with what you should do about this problem. He may tell you to tighten the screw tighter.
#10
My screw has a slot that fits a flat head screw driver, so I put one in there and give it a little extra umf! to keep the needle in place . The needle in my 301 was falling out until I started using the screw driver.
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jammyster
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03-10-2017 04:43 AM