How to Change a Sewing Machine Needle

There are only a few times when you need to change the needle on a sewing machine. One time is when the needle gets dull and it becomes difficult for the needle to pierce the material. Another time would be when, for whatever reason, the needle breaks. A third time would be when you change from sewing one weight of material to another. Whatever the reasons, changing a sewing machine needle takes only a few minutes to do.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sewing machine needle

1. Move the power foot control away to prevent accidently pressing it while changing the needle. Turn the hand wheel that is located on the upper right side of the sewing machine. Watch the needle while you are turning the wheel and stop when the needle is as high as it can go. If the thread is still inserted into the needle, pull it out.

2. Find the small clamp that holds the needle in place. It is located on the side of the needle bar. Grasp the clamp and turn it to loosen the needle. You don't want to remove the clamp entirely, just loosen it enough for the needle to be removed.

3. Remove the needle from the needle bar. If you are having difficulty maneuvering to get the needle out, open the needle plate. Be careful when removing a needle, especially if it is broken, to avoid sticking yourself. Set the needle aside, if you are switching out needles to use one for different weight material; otherwise, throw the old needle away.

4. Select the correct size needle. The different sizes are written on the colored end of the needle that fits into the sewing machine. Turn the needle so that the flat side is facing away from you. Slide it into the needle bar until it reaches as far as it can.

5. Hold the needle in place with one hand and grasp the needle clamp with the other hand. Tighten the needle clamp. Do not turn it too hard to avoid breaking it or stripping the threads on the clamp.

6. Clean any thread or fuss that is caught in the needle plate of bobbin case. Turn the hand wheel several times to make sure the needle is securely in place. Thread the needle and continue sewing.

Tips & Warnings

• If the needles continue to break and you cannot determine the cause, there might be a problem with the sewing machine. Take it in to a sewing machine center for servicing.