Why does changing the needle help tension issues?
#1
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,688
Every now and then my machine's tension is wacky. It'll be loose for inches--then okay--then loose. Grrr. I rethread the machine and redo the bobbin. I change the tension setting dial (according to the advice in the manual). Sometimes one of those works. When none of them do, I change the needle and all is well. WHY does that work??
#2
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
My bet is that the needle works loose from its correct position. The knob that holds the needle in place may gradually loosen with stitching. When you change the needle, you position the new needle correctly. Try repositioning the old needle and see if that works just as well!
Of course, sometimes a needle will become slightly bent (from hitting pins, or from heavy-handed manipulation of the fabric as it is feeding, or from who-knows-why usage). When this is the case, you have to put in a new needle. I've often compared the old needle to the new one before replacing, and noticed that the old needle has a slight bend to it in some direction.
Of course, sometimes a needle will become slightly bent (from hitting pins, or from heavy-handed manipulation of the fabric as it is feeding, or from who-knows-why usage). When this is the case, you have to put in a new needle. I've often compared the old needle to the new one before replacing, and noticed that the old needle has a slight bend to it in some direction.
#7
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North Carolina - But otherwise, NOTW
Posts: 7,940
When I start hearing that "clunk, clunk, clunk" when the needle enters the fabric, I know it's now dull and needs to be changed. If my thread starts shreading and breaking, I know it's gotten a burr or rough spot and needs changing. I haven't tried re-tightening, but I will now. That was a good tip. I never thought about effect of vibration.
#9
My new machine was skipping stitches and just not sewing good. I rethreaded and changed thread and nothing helped. I even changed the bobbin. About that time the needle fell out and after replacing it I didn't have anymore trouble. I think the needle gets loose from vibration.
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cmw0829
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07-30-2012 08:38 AM