How to Insert a Needle Into a Sewing Machine

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By Deborah Waltenburg
eHow Contributing Writer

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Insert a Needle Into a Sewing Machine

Needles are an interchangeable part of a sewing machine. Sharp needles work for all woven fabrics, ballpoint needles are used for knits, and universal needles work on both woven and knit fabrics. Sewing machine needles are prone to breakage, especially if you use the wrong needle with the wrong fabric, use an incorrect tension setting or sew over a straight pin. While there are slight differences between models, here are the basic steps for inserting a needle into a sewing machine.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Sewing machine needles

Changing a Sewing Machine Needle

Step 1

Rotate the balance wheel, located on the right side of the machine, until the needle is completely above the plate.
Step 2

Lift the presser foot lever, located on the rear of the left side of the machine, to elevate the presser foot away from the plate.
Step 3

Remove the presser foot. Most presser foots snap on and off from the shaft, by raising the front end of the foot until it is disengaged. Consult your owner's manual for the correct method of removing presser feet.
Step 4

Loosen the clamp by turning the screw on the right of the shaft toward you. Hold on to the needle and slide it out as it releases from the clamp.
Step 5

Insert new needle, with curved side of the shank facing you, until it stops. Hold needle in place and tighten clamp screw.
Step 6

Replace presser foot, aligning needle with the presser foot hole, and commence sewing.

Tips & Warnings

Use a can of compressed air to blow away lint from inside the casing and around the shaft.
Discard broken or worn needles immediately and place usable needles in original packaging or box for later use, so that babies, pets and bare feet can avoid injury.

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