Changing a needle in a Brother Sewing Machine can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to this endeavor. Fear not – this guide will provide basic instruction to help you meet your needle-changing needs. New needles are essential for accurate and even stitching and sewing, so it’s important to learn how to change them.
Before replacing your needle, make sure you purchase the right type and size for your machine. Common Brother needles come in various sizes and types, such as universal and stretch, so refer to your machine manual to ensure the correct fit. Universal needles are designed to work with the vast majority of Brother machines, but other machines may require a specialized needle. Furthermore, Brother recommends changing your needle with each new project or after every 8 hours of sewing to ensure the best performance.
Now, it’s time to learn how to change the needle. First, remove the current needle and discard it. On Brother’s computerized models, the needle will be located at the top rear of the machine. Then, using your palm, press down on the needle bar clamp screw and pull out the needle at the same time. For manual models, you should turn the hand wheel on the right side of the machine to raise the needle to its highest position. Finally, on both types of models, use a screwdriver to loosen the needle bar clamp screw. Once the screwdriver is applied, lift the needle and remove it.
To insert the new needle, first orient the flat side of the needle towards the back of the machine. Then, while holding the base of the needle securely, insert it all the way up into the needle clamp. Next, secure the needle in place by tightening the screw with the screwdriver. Finally, on computerized models, pull the needle bar clamp screw up and slide the needle bar up until it stops. To test the needle, use the machine to make a few stitches. If the stitches are even and consistent, you have successfully done the job!
Care and Maintenance of Brother Sewing Machine Needles
Regular maintenance and care can extend the life of your machine’s needle. First, always store the machine in a dry place to prevent any rust or corrosion caused by moisture. Additionally, do not sew over pins, as this can damage the needle or break the machine’s thread. Furthermore, never use damaged or bent needles – if the needle is not straight or has a dull or scratched point, you should discard it and replace it with a new one. Finally, avoid sewing over any heavy fabrics with a standard needle, as this can cause it to misshape or break.
Handling and Storage of Needles
Handling and storage of needles is another important factor to consider when changing the needle in a Brother sewing machine. When handling the needle, make sure to touch the shaft only – never touch the point or needle eye. Also, it’s important to avoid dropping or bending the new needle in order to maintain its integrity. As far as storage, needles should be placed back in their original package to protect them from dust and dirt. Brother recommends discarding needles after 1-2 years of use, regardless of their condition.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Brother Sewing Machine Needles?
The pros of Brother sewing machine needles are their reliability, affordability, and availability. The needles are designed to meet high standards of quality control and are designed to last. Additionally, they are widely available online and in many retail stores, so you should have no problem finding what you need. As for the cons, some users have reported that the needles break easily when sewing thick or heavy fabrics. Additionally, many report having difficulty finding the right-sized needle for their machine.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Brother Sewing Machine Needles
If the machine needle is skipped during sewing, this is likely due to the needle being bent or the machine tension settings being incorrect. To fix this, simply change the needle with a new one and make sure the tension settings are appropriate for the type of fabric you are sewing. Additionally, if the fabric bunches up as you sew, this means the needle is too large for the material. To solve this issue, switch to a smaller size needle.
Tips for Selecting the Right Needle for Your Brother Sewing Machine
When selecting the right needle for your Brother sewing machine, there are a few important factors to consider. First of all, you need to select the proper type and size needle for your machine. To determine the needle size, check the label on the side of the machine. Additionally, it’s important to choose the right type of needle for the type of fabric you are sewing – universal needles are suitable for most fabrics, while specialized needles are needed for heavy fabrics such as denim. Finally, make sure to buy quality needles that are sourced from a trustworthy manufacturer.
Conclusion
Changing the needle on a Brother sewing machine may seem intimidating, but with the right guidance and careful attention to detail, it will become second nature. Understanding the importance of new needles, the process of changing them, care and maintenance tips, and considerations while selecting the right needle will increase the performance of your machine and make sewing much easier. With a little practice and the help of this guide, you will be changing needles in no time.
