
How to Change the Needle on a Mini Sewing Machine
- Step 1 – Raise the needle bar Turn the hand wheel towards yourself to bring the needle bar up to the highest position.
- Step 2 – Loosen the screw to remove existing needle Loosen the screw on the needle bar to release the existing needle. ...
- Step 3 – Insert new needle ...
- Step 4 – Tighten the screw to secure the new needle ...
How do you put the string in a sewing machine?
Set Up Your Sewing Machine:
- Raise the presser foot lever. The presser foot must be raised to thread up the machine.
- Raise the needle. Raise the needle by turning the hand wheel slightly towards the back of the machine. ...
- Place the reel of thread onto the spool pin. ...
- Take thread through the thread guide. ...
- Pass the thread through the thread guide cover. ...
How do you put thread in a sewing machine?
Using a cup
- Put the cone thread in the cup or glass.
- Thread the machine with the cone generally as you would with a thread spool.
- Place the cup anywhere where you find it comfortable, and you have to ensure that the cup or glass does not fall and the cone does not roll ...
- You can start sewing. ...
How to put a thread on a sewing machine?
Threading a Sewing Machine
- Place the presser foot in the upward position. Put a spool of thread on the spool holder. ...
- Now look for a tension mechanism. ...
- Look for a take-up mechanism. ...
- Locate and thread any thread guides, leading down to the sewing machine needle.
- Thread the sewing machine needle. ...
- Watch for any thread to flap around. ...
How to properly thread your sewing machine needle?
- Use tweezers to grab the thread when it has gone through the eye of the sewing machine needle to give more control to thread.
- Take out the needle from the sewing machine and use an old toothbrush. ...
- Fold the thread around the shaft of the needle. ...
- Cut a very thin length of the paper or card stock about 1½” long and ¼” wide. ...
Why Do Sewing Machine Needles Need To Be Changed?
What are the different types of sewing needles?
Is it easy to swap out a sewing machine needle?

Why Do Sewing Machine Needles Need To Be Changed?
You may be wondering: why can’t I just use the needle that comes with my machine? Why do I need to learn to change it? There are a variety of reasons you may need to swap out your sewing machine’s needle before, during, or after a project.
What are the different types of sewing needles?
There are tons of different types of sewing machine needles out there, all used for different purposes. Here are a few of the most common types: 1 Universal Needle: As discussed, this is the type you’ll see most often. Its point is very slightly rounded to sew knits but is sharp enough to pierce woven fabrics. It’s available in the widest range of sizes. 2 Sharp/Microtex Needle: This type of needle has a narrow shaft and a sharper point, designed to pierce the threads of woven fabrics. 3 Ball-Point Needle: This needle has a medium tip and is slightly more rounded to pass between knit fabric threads without piercing them. 4 Denim Needle: These needles have a strong, thick shaft designed to handle denim, canvas, heavy wovens, and other tough fabrics. 5 Leather Needle: Leather needles have a special wedge-point designed to pierce through leather, suede, vinyl, and other thick, nonwoven fabrics without tearing them. 6 Quilting Needle: Used for quilting on your sewing machine, this needle has a thin, tapered point and is designed to stitch through thick layers and intersecting seams.
Is it easy to swap out a sewing machine needle?
Swapping out your sewing machine’s needle is super easy! All it takes is a little practice, and in no time at all, you’ll be able to do it without even thinking.
What happens if you have a smaller shank?
A smaller shank will move the needle slightly closer or further away from the hook or shuttle point. It isn’t generally a problem, but it can lead to missed stitches or, worse, a hook catch. So make sure you check for faults according to the guidelines in the next section.
How to tell if a scarf is on the opposite side of the needle?
You next orient the needle such that the scarf side faces the hook when it passes by the needle. It indicates that the needle’s long thread groove is on the opposite side. From the side, thread the needle into the eye. Use a long thread groove at all times.
Why do you need to insert a needle in a sewing machine?
But aside from proper stitch formation, proper sewing machine needle insertion also helps prevent any permanent damage on your sewing project or sewing machine. Since you don’t want to break the needle while placing it, learning the proper way to do so will allow you to work efficiently and safely.
What is a hook on a sewing machine?
A hook will be attached to the bobbin thread on the sewing machine. It could be the point of a boat shuttle or bullet shu ttle or a rotary hook found on oscillating or rotating devices. All of these are different hook implementations.
What happens when the needle is too high or low?
The thread loop generated during the upward stroke of the needle must be caught by the hook or shuttle point. The hook will miss the loop if it is too high or low, resulting in a missing stitch.
Why is it bad to change your needle?
Aside from poor stitching quality, failing to change your needle when necessary can lead to broken threads or damaged or puckered fabrics.
What side of the needle is the hook?
The hook is always faced by the needle’s short groove/scarf side. On the upward stroke of the needle, this is the side that makes the tiny loop.
How to insert a needle in a sewing machine?
You can insert the needle either by using your fingers, by using a clearance plate or by using a needle threader and inserter.
How to Put a Needle in a Sewing Machine Kenmore sewing machine?
But the desired needle of the correct size and machine type. Rotate the handwheel on the right until the take-up level of your machine reaches its highest point. Hold the needle and loosen up the needle clamp screw using a screwdriver and slide the needle out. Put the new needle in the same place with the same and push it upwards in the same direction from where you removed the old needle. Now tighten the screw clamp firmly.
Why do my sewing machines go dull?
It may happen due to various reasons like overusing the same needle or getting tangled with the cloth, or even when it gets nicked oversewing on a straight pin. Changing the needle of your machine depends on how frequently you sew and your sewing style.
Do you need to change the needle on a sewing machine?
Changing the needle of your machine depends on how frequently you sew and your sewing style. The different fabrics like leather may also require a new needle as the stitches may break or the outcome may vary.
Can you get pierced by a sewing machine needle?
The chances of meeting with an accident while changing the needle of your sewing machines are very likely. Getting pierced by the needle in the process of removing or inserting it happens often. Read on to know all about how to put a needle in a sewing machine and avoid all sorts of accidents.
What is the number on a mini sewing machine?
When you do this, you will the number engraved on the needle that came with your mini sewing machine. this will most likely be 90/14.
What size needle do you use for knitting?
If you are sewing a lighter weight fabric you may need to go with an 80/12 needle size. If you want to sew knits then you may need to use a ballpoint needle. You can read more about sewing with knit fabrics here.
How to tell what size a needle is?
If you look very closely at the rounded edge on the top of your existing needle you may be able to see the size engraved there. If you’re anything like me (very poor eyesight), you would probably take a photo of this part of the needle and then zoom in so you can actually read the numbers (top tip!!).
How to bring needle bar up to highest position?
Turn the hand wheel towards yourself to bring the needle bar up to the highest position.
Can you change the needle size on a mini sewing machine?
The answer to this will vary slightly, depending on what you are sewing. in the video below I show you how to change the needle on a mini sewing machine as well as talk about which needle size for mini sewing machine.
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How to get a needle to fit in a clamp?
Holding the needle with the flat side in the back, push it into the clamp as far as it will go. If you are having problems getting the needle to fit, turn it to the right or left just a bit as you insert it, noting that the clamp is designed so that only the flat part of the needle will fit in the back. Advertisement.
How to raise a sewing machine needle?
Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the hand wheel, the large wheel on the side of the sewing machine that moves the needle up and down.
How to test a needle for stability?
Turn the hand wheel to raise the needle up and down; then use your fingers to wiggle the needle to test its stability . If the needle feels loose, remove it from the clamp and repeat Steps 6 and 7 to insert it once more.
What happens if a sewing needle is broken?
If a sewing needle is broken or becomes dull, it needs to be replaced. Or, you may also need to replace a needle with a special-purpose needle if you are sewing a thick, tough fabric such as leather or denim.
What happens when you loosen a knob?
When the knob is loosened, the needle should fall out. Discard the needle if it is broken, dull or otherwise damaged. If you are simply replacing it to sew a thicker fabric, put it in a safe place.
Can a serger hold multiple needles?
Note that the placement of the needle clamp may be slightly different than on a regular sewing machine. A serger also has the ability to hold several needles at once, so if you are replacing the needles for a special fabric, then you will need to replace all of the needles on the serger. Advertisement. Be sure you are choosing the right needles ...
Where is Ashley Little?
Ashley Little is a craft writer and editor who lives in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. Little is the author of Chunky Knits and a writer for Craftsy.com. She has her hands in all kinds of crafts, from sewing to knitting, crochet and any other DIY project she can find.
Why do sewing needles snap?
You may be attempting to sew a fabric that’s too thick, or sometimes, the needle just snaps from overuse. The best way to avoid this is to invest in some higher-quality needles. We recommend Schmetz Universal Machine Needles. However, even high-quality needles break sometimes.
What are the different types of sewing needles?
There are tons of different types of sewing machine needles out there, all used for different purposes. Here are a few of the most common types: 1 Universal Needle: As discussed, this is the type you’ll see most often. Its point is very slightly rounded to sew knits but is sharp enough to pierce woven fabrics. It’s available in the widest range of sizes. 2 Sharp/Microtex Needle: This type of needle has a narrow shaft and a sharper point, designed to pierce the threads of woven fabrics. 3 Ball-Point Needle: This needle has a medium tip and is slightly more rounded to pass between knit fabric threads without piercing them. 4 Denim Needle: These needles have a strong, thick shaft designed to handle denim, canvas, heavy wovens, and other tough fabrics. 5 Leather Needle: Leather needles have a special wedge-point designed to pierce through leather, suede, vinyl, and other thick, nonwoven fabrics without tearing them. 6 Quilting Needle: Used for quilting on your sewing machine, this needle has a thin, tapered point and is designed to stitch through thick layers and intersecting seams.
What is the most common sewing machine needle?
The most common needle is the universal, or all-purpose, needle , which, as the name suggests, can be used for a variety of purposes. However, if you’re working with a difficult fabric, like silk or leather, or on a specialty project like a quilt, you’ll want to swap out your standard needle for a needle that’s designed to handle the task.
How long does it take to swap needles on a sewing machine?
If it takes you a few tries to properly thread your sewing machine needle the first time, don’t worry! With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to swap needles in five seconds flat.
How to tell which way to insert a needle?
The first step to this method is to correctly orient your needle in your clearance plate. You should be able to tell which way to insert the needle, as one side of the hole should be round, and the other should be flat. The needle should fit into the clearance plate nice and snugly.
Which side of the sewing machine is the needle facing?
Make sure to note whether the flat side of the needle shank (aka the top part of the needle) is facing the front or the back. Remember this information, as it will make loading your new needle much easier. Most sewing machines will have the flat part of the needle facing the back of the machine, but take a look at yours just in case it’s different.
What type of needle has a narrow shaft and a sharper point?
Sharp/Microtex Needle: This type of needle has a narrow shaft and a sharper point, designed to pierce the threads of woven fabrics.
Why Do Sewing Machine Needles Need To Be Changed?
You may be wondering: why can’t I just use the needle that comes with my machine? Why do I need to learn to change it? There are a variety of reasons you may need to swap out your sewing machine’s needle before, during, or after a project.
What are the different types of sewing needles?
There are tons of different types of sewing machine needles out there, all used for different purposes. Here are a few of the most common types: 1 Universal Needle: As discussed, this is the type you’ll see most often. Its point is very slightly rounded to sew knits but is sharp enough to pierce woven fabrics. It’s available in the widest range of sizes. 2 Sharp/Microtex Needle: This type of needle has a narrow shaft and a sharper point, designed to pierce the threads of woven fabrics. 3 Ball-Point Needle: This needle has a medium tip and is slightly more rounded to pass between knit fabric threads without piercing them. 4 Denim Needle: These needles have a strong, thick shaft designed to handle denim, canvas, heavy wovens, and other tough fabrics. 5 Leather Needle: Leather needles have a special wedge-point designed to pierce through leather, suede, vinyl, and other thick, nonwoven fabrics without tearing them. 6 Quilting Needle: Used for quilting on your sewing machine, this needle has a thin, tapered point and is designed to stitch through thick layers and intersecting seams.
Is it easy to swap out a sewing machine needle?
Swapping out your sewing machine’s needle is super easy! All it takes is a little practice, and in no time at all, you’ll be able to do it without even thinking.
