Have you ever had your sewing machine needle break in the middle of a project? It’s annoying, right? Not to mention, it can be costly if you have to keep replacing needles. Did you know that there are actually 10 avoidable reasons why needles break?
In this guide, I’ll list some of the common reasons and offer tips on why a sewing machine needle breaks and how to avoid each one.
1. Poor quality needles
2. Improper threading of the needle
3. Using the wrong type or size of needle for the fabric
4. Not using a needle plate
5. Pushing or pulling the fabric through the machine too quickly
6. Excessive use of pressure on the foot pedal
7. Faulty machine tension
8. Incorrect placement of the fabric in the machine
9. Foreign objects caught in the needle
10. Overheating of the needle
Breaking Needles and How to Avoid It
1. Use the correct needle for your project.
Make sure the needle is the correct size for the fabric you are sewing. The type of fabric you’re working with will determine what kind of needle you need to use. For example, if you’re sewing with a heavy denim fabric, you’ll need to use a denim needle.
If you’re sewing with a delicate lace fabric, you’ll need to use a sharp needle. Using the wrong type of needle is one of the leading causes of broken needles.
2. Change your needle often.
Needles get dull quickly, especially if you’re sewing with multiple layers of fabric or working with a heavy fabric. A dull needle will cause skipped stitches and eventually break. It’s recommended that you change your needle after 8 hours of sewing or after every project, whichever comes first.
3. Don’t sew over pins.
Sewing over pins is dangerous because it increases the likelihood of the needle hitting the pin and breaking. If you absolutely must sew over a pin, remove it before stitching over it and put it back in once you’ve passed over it.
4. Don’t sew over seams.
Just like pins, seams can also cause needles to break because they increase the likelihood of the needle hitting something as it’s stitching. If you must sew over a seam, do so slowly and carefully so that the chance of breaking the needle is minimized.
5. Don’t force the fabric through the machine.
Be careful not to overload your machine with too much fabric. If your machine is having trouble feeding the fabric through, don’t force it! This puts unnecessary strain on the motor and can cause skipped stitches or broken needles. Instead, try changing the stitch length or using a different presser foot.
6. Don’t put too much pressure on the foot pedal.
Sew slowly and evenly, using even pressure on the foot pedal. Putting too much pressure on the foot pedal will cause skipped stitches and put unnecessary strain on the motor, which could lead to a broken needle. Instead, apply just enough pressure to keep the fabric moving smoothly but not so much that it’s difficult to control.
7 . You’re using an old machine.
If your sewing machine is more than 20 years old, chances are that parts are starting to wear out and it’s not as precise as it used to be. This means that there’s an increased risk of needles breaking because they’re not being inserted into the fabric as precisely as they should be. If possible, invest in a new machine or take your old one in for servicing to get it running smoothly again.
8. The bobbin case is defective.
If your bobbin case is defective, it can cause tension problems which result in skipped stitches and broken needles. Check the tension on your machine and adjust it if necessary.
9. Remove any lint or thread build-up from around the needle plate
There is lint buildup inside the machine . Lint buildup inside your machine can cause all sorts of problems, including skipped stitches and broken needles.
10. The feed dogs are damaged.
Feed dogs are responsible for feeding the fabric through evenly as you sew. If they’re damaged, they might not be able to do their job properly which could lead to broken needles.
Sewing machine needles breaking doesn’t have to be a common occurrence. By following these simple tips, you can avoid breaking needles and save yourself time. And money!
Quality sewing machine needles are important for two reasons: first, because they help ensure that your projects turn out looking their best; second, Because they save you from having to replace them as often!
Investing in quality sewing machine needles pays off in both the quality of your projects and your wallet! and make sure to Keep your machine well-lubricated to avoid breaking needles.