Learning how to change your Brother sewing machine needle is an essential skill for anyone looking to professionally or confidently use a Brother machine. Changing your Brother needle correctly and regularly is essential in producing and maintaining good quality work. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process and provide some helpful tips to make the process a bit easier.
The first step in changing a Brother sewing machine needle is properly identifying the parts of the needle. A Brother needle typically consists of the following distinct parts: the shank, the scarf, the groove, the slot, and the point.
The needle needs to fit into the machine before it can be used. Therefore it is important to properly match the type of needle that you choose to your Brother machine. To ensure you are picking the correct needle, look at the size, shape and type of needle specified in your machine’s manual. Then make sure to check both the needle size and its length in order to fit it into your machine.
When handling your Brother needle, make sure to do so very carefully. Remember that the needle can be damaged easily; for example, if you are using a too-small needle for the fabric material being used, it could break or bend. Also, be sure not to touch the tip or sides of the needle with your fingers or any other object, as that could contaminate it and damage the machine.
Using the proper tools to remove and replace the needle is essential. You will need a pair of tweezers or needle nose pliers to hold the needle when it is removed, and a small screwdriver to loosen and tighten the needle clamp. When the screw is loosened, carefully remove the needle by holding it securely with the tweezers. Then carefully insert the new needle into the same clamp and lightly tighten the screw again.
Be sure that you never force a needle into the clamp, as that may damage the needle and the machine. If possible, always use a Brother manufactured needle. Though other brand needles may prove to be less expensive, they are not always as good in quality. And finally, make sure to dispose of the old needle correctly.
Tension
Adjusting the tension of the sewing machine when switching the needle is very important. Failure to change the tension of the machine might result in skipped stitches, thread breakage, or poor stitching finish. To adjust the tension, start by loosening one of the tension discs while holding the thread with your fingers. Then, gently pull on the thread. The correct tension should produce a slight resistance as you pull on the thread. The tension is correct when you can see a slight ripple in the fabric as you pull on the thread.
To ensure that the tension is evenly distributed, it is important to thread the machine properly. Download the sewing machine manual for your Brother machine and follow the instructions for how to thread it. Improper threading can be a common cause of tension-related problems. It is important to use the same quality of thread – get the thread from the same manufacturer and make sure it is the same type and weight.
If the stitching still appears uneven after adjusting the tension, try using a different stitch length and type. You may find that a specific type of stitch creates better tension on the fabric or works better with the fabric you are using. Also, a finer needle and/or thread may help to reduce the tension and create better stitches.
If you notice any issues with the tension while working on a project, take the time to adjust and re-adjust the tension until you reach the desired effect. It may not always work perfectly right away but with patience, you can reach the desired results.
Thread Jamming
Another common problem often encountered while sewing with a Brother machine is thread jamming. This is usually caused by a needle that is not correctly inserted into the machine or by incorrect threading. To troubleshoot the problem and fix it, start by checking the threading and the needle, these are the usual causes of thread jamming.
If the threading appears to be fine, the next step is to check the tension. Too loose of a tension may cause thread jamming and the thread to become tangled. So make sure to check the tension and adjust it accordingly if needed. If the tension is too tight, the thread may not move freely as it needs to in order to form the stitches.
You should also look at the needle itself. Is it the proper size and type of needle for the fabric you are using? If not, that may be the cause of the jam. You should also examine the needle for any dirt or oil that may have built up over time. Finally, make sure that the needle is positioned correctly and the needle clamp is tightly secured. Poorly secured needle clamps can lead to thread jamming.
If none of these troubleshooting steps work, you may need to adjust the machine’s timing. This can be a bit tricky and should be done with care. If you are not sure what you are doing, it is best to take the machine to a qualified technician to have them adjust the timing.
Stretching the Fabric
When sewing with a Brother machine, another common issue is stretching the fabric. Stretching the fabric while sewing is usually caused by poor fabric feeding or poor tension. To fix this problem, make sure that the fabric is being fed through the machine evenly. This can be done by pressing the fabric with your hand to ensure even feeding. Additionally, adding a walking foot or darning plate may also help to ensure even feeding.
Also make sure that the needle is the correct size for the fabric. If the needle is too small for the fabric, it will stretch the fabric as it feeds through. Additionally, make sure that the tension of the machine is correctly adjusted. Too tight of a tension will cause the fabric to stretch when it is fed through the machine.
If the fabric is still being stretched, try increasing or decreasing the stitch length. Sometimes adjusting the stitch length can make a difference in how much the fabric is being stretched. Additionally, using stabilizers may help to reduce the amount of fabric stretching you experience. Be sure to test the stabilizers on a small section of the fabric before applying them to the entire project.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your Brother machine is essential for it to perform its best. If you notice any damages or problems with your Brother machine, take the time to clean and inspect the machine before attempting any repairs. Removing lint and dirt from the machine regularly can help to prevent smaller problems from turning into bigger ones.
Start by inspecting the needle and needle plate. Loosen the needle plate screw as needed and clean the plate and around the hook with a soft brush. Make sure to check the needle and make sure it is in good condition. Also, be sure to clean the bobbin case and hook race with a lint brush or vacuum.
Inspect the power cord, foot pedal and other parts of the machine for any visible signs of damage. If the machine is not working correctly, be sure to unplug it and have it inspected by a qualified professional before attempting any repairs. Attempting to repair the machine yourself may cause injury or damage.
Finally, make sure to regularly oil the machine as desired. Refer to your machine’s manual for the recommended type of oil and where to oil the machine. Oiling the machine too much may cause it to gum up, so only oil the machine when necessary.
Conclusion
Changing the needle on your Brother machine is an essential task for producing quality work. Knowing how to properly and safely change the needle is an important part of working with the machine. Additionally, it is important to keep your machine clean and well-maintained, and to adjust the tension and stitch length as necessary. With these tips, you can learn to confidently and competently work with and adjust your Brother sewing machine needle.
