Introduction
Singer’s Simple sewing machine is a reliable, lightweight and easy-to-use model for beginners and veterans alike. However, even the most experienced sewists can come across issues, and one of the most common is knowing how to successfully change the needle. To help sewists make the switch without any hitches, this article outlines step-by-step advice on how to do it.
How to Change Needle
The very first step is to always unplug the machine before reaching inside. The second step is to press the needle clamp screw which can be located on the back or side of the machine, based on the model. By turning the screw, the needle should be loosened and successfully detached from the clamp. The third step is to insert the new needle into the clamp, with points facing towards the back of the machine.
Now, the sewist can pull the needle up until it is snug within the clamp. Then, rotating the screw in the opposite direction so it tightens the needle firmly in the clamp and pulling the needle up to double-check if it is secure.
Finally, to ensure a proper fit of the needle, the sewist can use a ruler or tape measure to check the distance between the back of the needle and the screw. The correct measurement is 3/16 of an inch.
The Benefits and Dangers of Changing Needles
Changing the need on a Singer Simple sewing machine can have its benefits. For example, replacing a needle periodically, which should be done once a month, helps to ensure the seam needles of the stitch are both even and accurate. This ultimately reduces unravelling and alignment problems, while ensuring optimal stitch quality.
Replacing the needle also helps to reduce the risk of the machine being damaged. Worn or blunt needles can put unnecessary strain on the tension discs of the machine, potentially leading to skipping stitching or even mechanical failure. Consequently, by replacing the needle it can help to extend the machine’s lifespan and reduce the chances of costly repair bills.
Whilst changing the needle can have its benefits, sewists need to be aware of its dangers too. Splitting or malfunctioning needles cause potential harm to hands and fingers, leading to stitches and even cuts. Furthermore, the wrong needle for the fabric could be easily implemented, which could lead to difficulty in sewing.
The Correct Needle for the Fabric
Choosing the correct needle for the fabric is essential in producing a good-quality seam. Firstly, the sewist should check the fabric care label that is attached to the garment and find out what type of needle and thread should be used. This information should be noted down, as it will help to select the suitable needle.
Medium to heavy-weight fabrics, such as denim and canvas, require a finer needle. On the contrary, lightweight fabrics should use a thicker needle which won’t cannot create big holes. It is also important to select the right size needle points, as this will determine how smoothly the fabric travels through the machine.
Ball-point needles are especially good with stretchy fabrics, as the needle point is rounded, which prevents the needle from coming into direct contact with the fabric, consequently reducing any damage. Universal needles, however, can be used for almost all fabrics and are suitable for both straight and zigzag stitching.
Finally, it is important to check whether the needle is sharp throughout its entire length, as this helps to ensure easy penetration through heavy-weight fabrics.
Checking the Needle
To check the needle, the sewist should rotate it multiple times in the needle clamp to check for breakages or splitting. Blunt needles should also be avoided and should be replaced immediately, otherwise fabric weaken the needle could disintegrate, which would lead to an imbalance of the stitches on the garment and even cause the machine to jam.
Another factor to consider is the shank of the needle. This should be parallel with the needle clamp, as slanting needles cause looping on the fabric. To test this, the sewist should place the needle on a flat surface, if the needle is not parallel, then the sewist should select a different one.
Different Sewing Feet for Needle Change
To help sewists efficiently change their needle, Singer Simple sewing machines can come with three different kinds of presser feet, also known as needle plates. Flat feet and roller feet are typically used for patterns such as straight, zigzag and buttonhole stitches and they also play a crucial role in adjusting the tension of the threads.
The guide feet, however, adjust according to the width and length of the pattern. Consequently, the needle should be positioned exactly in the center of the foot to ensure the balance of the stitch is accurately on the garment.
To attach the presser foot, the screw at the bottom must be undone and the foot must be set into the foot holder. After adjusting the position of the foot, the screw must be tightened and then, check again that the needle is not sticking out of the center.
Threading the Machine
The fifth step of needle-changing is to thread the machine. To do this, the top thread must travel from its spool, through the thread guide and then, finally, the needle area. Foremost, the sewist must position the spool properly by adjusting the thread divider and setting the spool in the proper direction.
The upper thread loop must be threaded before threading the needle. The last step includes threading the needle by hand. To prevent the needle from breaking, the thread should be drawn through the eye of the needle and the needle should be frequently rotated in the clockwise direction.
Testing the Machine
Last but not least, the sewist should test the machine several times before starting a major project. To do this, the machine should be set to the straight stitch and the sewist can begin by testing first on scrap fabric, before moving on to the project. Adjusting the proper settings to the machine can cause a smoother transition too.
By slightly turning the thread tension wheel, the sewist can increase or decrease the tension. Then, adjusting the stitch size dial, ensures that the stitch is the desired size and width. Finally, top and bottom feed dogs are also adjustable, which help the garment to move freely, without halting the project.
