Materials and Tools Needed
Changing a needle on a Brother Sewing Machine requires a few tools and materials. Before beginning, gather a new sewing needle, a small flathead screwdriver, a wired brush, and a pair of pliers. Additionally, be sure to have the owner’s manual handy in case the model of the Brother Sewing Machine is unfamiliar.
Preparing the Sewing Machine
Turn off and unplug the machine, and raise the needle to the highest position using the handwheel. Amp; Ease the pressure on the new needle by releasing the thumb screw without removing it completely, and then slide the needle clamp to wheel out the original needle.
Insert The New Needle
Take the new needle, align the flat side of the needle to the back of the machine and insert it until the needle touches the front of the clamp. Tighten the thumb screw by turning it in the clockwise direction with a screwdriver. Make sure the needle is secure and not loose.
Test The Needle
Test the needle by turning the hand wheel at least five times and checking that the needle moves up and down correctly. If the needle does not move as expected, re-tighten the thumb screw or replace the needle.
Cleaning The Machine Interior
Using a wired brush, it is important to clean the shuttle hole, thread guide, and race. This will ensure that the new needle works properly because any lint or dust can prevent the needle from working correctly.
Thread With Care
Take the thread spool from the bobbin case and hold it in your fingers. Make sure that your thread is taut and then guide the thread around the tension disks and the check spring. Finally, thread the needle carefully, making sure the thread goes through the needle’s eye correctly.
Adjust The Tension
Place the thread back in the bobbin case and tighten the tension screws with a screwdriver. Run a few practice stitches on a scrap fabric to make any further adjustments to the thread tension. Ultimately, it is essential to adjust the tension with caution and slowly.
Secure Loose Parts
Before using the sewing machine, make sure the foot controller is securely fastened, and the foot plate is flat against the bed. Loose parts can affect the stitching and needle position. Finally, test the machine by making a short pattern or a few stitches to ensure that the machine is stitching correctly.
Radical Rules to Follow
Handle the Needle With Care
The needle should always be handled carefully and only touched at the shank to avoid dulling or damaging the point. Any oil or dirt on the needle may cause poor stitching. Additionally, do not use bent needles.
Choose Quality Thread
Be sure to use quality thread; threads made from lower quality fiber are likely to be weak and can cause skipped stitches. Additionally, always use the correct size thread and needle for the fabric chosen.
Keep Track of Needle Changes
It is important to keep track of how often you change the needle and when the last needle change was. A new needle should be used approximately every 10 hours of machine usage and whenever the needle is hitting the needle plate.
Do Not Clamp With Pliers
When removing or inserting the needle, it is important not to clamp the needle between the pliers. If the needle is damaged, it may break off, causing further damage to the sewing machine.
Check The Quality of Stitches
Always check the quality of stitches after replacing the needle and any type of stitchwork that has been done with the machine. If there are too few or too many stitches, they should be adjusted using the tension disks.
A Pair of Safety Gloves
When replacing a needle it is a good idea to wear a pair of safety gloves. This will help protect the hands from any sharp edges or points on the needle.
Source Quality Needles
It is best to purchase a brand new needle that is specified for your machine’s model from your local sewing store or from an online retailer. Low quality needles may damage the machine or cause stitches that do not look professional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When replacing the needle, avoid over-tightening the needle clamp screw. This can cause the needle to break and be lodged in the needle plate. Additionally, avoid using dull needles, as this can cause skipped stitches, broken threads and uneven tension.
Professional Assistance
In case of any confusion or difficulty, it is best to contact a professional who specializes in the maintenance and repair of Brother Sewing Machines. They will be able to assist with selecting the correct needle, thread, and tension as well as diagnose any issues that may arise.
