Learning how to change a needle on a Bernina sewing machine is an essential skill to have whether you are a beginner or an experienced seamstress. Needle replacement is one of the most common jobs in sewing, and having the right techniques and tools can make this job quick and painless. Fortunately, Bernina sewing machines have a simple needle changing system that makes it easy to change your needle down to the very last thread.
First and foremost, you will need to be sure that you have the right size sewing machine needle for your Bernina. These needles come in sizes from 80-90, and the standard size for Bernina machines is 80. You can determine the size of your needle by looking for descriptive numbers on its shaft. Once you have identified the size, you can purchase specific needle replacements for your Bernina machine.
When changing your Bernina needle, it is important to make sure that it is inserted correctly. To begin, you will need to turn the hand wheel toward you until the needle is at its highest point. Pull the needle clamp screw up and out of the machine, holding the needle up at a slight angle. Gently pull the needle straight up, and it will come out easily.
To insert your new needle, the key is to make sure that it is put in the right way up. The flat side of the needle should be facing towards the back of the machine, and slightly to the right. With the needle clamp screw still pulled out of the machine, slide the new needle as far down as it can go, pushing it in firmly. Finally, make sure the needle is tightened correctly by pushing the needle clamp screw back onto the top of the machine and returning the hand wheel to its starting position.
With the proper tools and techniques, changing a needle on a Bernina sewing machine is easy. Now that you know how to do it, you never have to worry about having to search for a technician or replacing an expensive needle unnecessarily.
Identifying an Old/Damaged Needle
Sewing machines are complicated pieces of machinery that require regular maintenance to ensure that they are in good working condition. One of the most important tasks of sewing machine maintenance is to determine if your needle needs to be replaced. If so, you will need to identify the type of needle you need to purchase prior to changing it.
If you notice that your threads are getting tangled easily, it might be time to replace your needle. Most often, you can tell that your needle is worn out or damaged by simply looking at it. Examine your current needle and look for bends, cracks, dull points or discoloration. A needle that is sufficiently worn out or damaged will no longer be able to create a good stitch and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Periodically Checking Your Needle
In order to ensure that your Bernina sewing machine continues running smoothly, it is important to check your needle periodically. Doing so will help you quickly identify if your needle has become worn out or damaged, allowing you to quickly change it if necessary. This periodic check is especially important if you are using the same needle for an extended period of time.
When inspecting your needle, be sure to take a few moments to check for any small cracks or signs of wear and tear. Additionally, if you are using a new needle, be sure to change it as soon as it begins to show even the slightest signs of wear. Doing so will help ensure that your needle is always in good condition, preventing it from breaking and potentially damaging your machine.
Using The Right Products
In addition to using the right techniques, it is important to use the right products when replacing your Bernina needle.Using the wrong type of needle can lead to stitches that are either too loose or too tight, and can also result in skipped stitches and other sewing mishaps. Therefore, it is important to make sure that you are using the correct size needle that is designed for your Bernina machine.
The best way to ensure that you are using the right type of needle is to purchase it from a reputable dealer. Doing so will ensure that you are getting a needle that is not only of high quality, but also designed specifically for your Bernina sewing machine. Additionally, by purchasing your needle from a reputable dealer, you can be sure that your needle will be backed by warranty and will last longer than a generic needle.
Cleaning Your Needle
In order to ensure that your needle is always in good condition, it is important to clean it on a regular basis. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the needle, which could affect the quality of your stitches. You can clean your needle by using a soft brush to gently remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated on it.
Another good way to keep your needle clean is to occasionally lubricate it with a lubricant specifically designed for sewing machine needles. Doing so will keep the needle moving smoothly and reduce the chances of any clogging or debris build-up over time. Be sure to use only small amounts of lubricant as too much can cause your needle to become sticky and this could affect the quality of your stitches.
Storage and Care
It is also important to ensure that you always store your needle in a safe place and take good care of it when not in use. A needle can be easily damaged if not stored properly, so it is important to store them in a safe and dry place, such as a sewing box or cabinet. Additionally, be sure to handle your needle gently while changing it to avoid any bending or other damage.
By taking proper care of your Bernina needle and handling it with care, you can ensure that it will continue to be as sharp and viable as possible. Doing so will help to ensure that you achieve the best possible finished results with each project. Furthermore, by changing your needle correctly, you can prevent any additional damage to your sewing machines and avoid costly repairs.
Replacing Your Needle Regularly
Finally, it is important to remember to replace your needle regularly. Even if you take special care of your needle, it is not designed to last indefinitely, and will eventually start to show signs of wear and tear. Ideally, you should replace your needle every four to six hours of sewing, or whenever you notice any signs of wear or damage. Doing so will help to keep your Bernina sewing machine running smoothly and efficiently.
Knowing how to change a needle on a Bernina sewing machine is a valuable skill for any sewer to possess. Not only can it help to prevent expensive repairs and make your projects look better, but it is also easy to do with the proper techniques and tools. As long as you take the time to inspect your needle regularly and use the right size needle, you should have no trouble changing your sewing machine needle quickly and easily.
