Background Information
Broken sewing machine needles are a common issue when sewing. A sewing machine needle is the most frequently replaced part of a sewing machine, and when it breaks it can cause a machine to jam or fabric to be damaged. Sewing machine needles are sold in various sizes and some are made to work with a specific type of fabric. When a sewing machine needle breaks, it’s important to inspect it to see what caused the break, determine what size of needle should be replaced, and identify the type of needle needed depending on the type of fabric being used for a project.
Understanding Needle Materials
Sewing machine needles are made from various materials, each type offering a unique set of attributes. Universal needles are typically made from carbon steel with a sharp point that is suitable for most fabric types. This type of needle works well when sewing quilting, general and knit fabrics. Sharp needles, often made from chrome-plated steel, have a more pointed tip suitable for sewing through thicker fabrics like canvas and leather and are not recommended for light-weight fabrics as they can damage or pierce the fabric. Ballpoint needles are coated with a thicker, non-stick coating and have a rounded tip that creates less damage to fabrics like jersey and knit fabric, allowing the needle to pass between the fabric’s yarns rather than piercing them.
Identifying Needle Defects and Damage
When a needle breaks, it’s important to first identify what type of needle it is and whether or not it had any defects that could have caused the needle to break. Sometimes the needle may look normal, but the eye may be too small or too large for the thread size. Other times, the debris on the needle, such as lint and dust, may cause the needle to break. Finally, the needle may have been overused and was simply worn out.
Choosing the Right Needle
Once a problem is identified, the best way to fix a broken needle is to replace it with the correct type of needle. Choosing the wrong needle can lead to problems such as skipped stitches or skipped threads, or even cause further damage to the fabric. It’s important to select the right size of needle for the fabric and thread being used. Generally, lighter fabrics require a finer size needle and large or thick fabrics require a larger needle.
Replacing a Needle
Replacing a broken sewing machine needle is easy. First, unplug the machine and remove the stitch plate. Next, loosen the screw at the top of the needle clamp and remove the old needle. Insert the replacement needle, making sure the flat side of the needle is facing the back of the machine. Tighten the needle clot and replace the stitch plate. Finally, remove any excess lint and dust with a brush.
Cleaning and Maintenance
In addition to replacing a broken needle, it’s important to maintain the sewing machine by keeping it as clean as possible. Regularly cleaning the machine with a brush can help to remove lint, dust, and other debris that can build up on the machine and create issues when stitching. Regular oiling of the machine can also help to keep the needle and other parts working properly.
Correct Thread Tension
The tension of the thread is an important factor in preventing the needle from breaking. Incorrect tension can cause a needle to break as the fabric is being stitched. It’s important to read the machine manual to understand the recommended tension settings for certain fabrics and threads.
Stress on the Fabric
Putting too much pressure on the fabric as it moves through the machine can cause the needle to break. It’s important to feed the fabric at a slow, steady pace and to use the correct size and type of needle for the fabric and thread being used.
Position of the Needle
The position of the needle can also contribute to a needle breaking. when a needle is too low, it can cause the needle to bottom out and break. It’s important to ensure the needle is properly positioned so that the needle is high enough that it will not bottom out.
Preventive Measures
Taking preventive measures can help to reduce the chances of a needle breaking. It’s important to use the correct size needle for the fabric and thread being used, as well as ensuring the machine is regularly cleaned and maintained. Additionally, checking the tension of the thread and the position of the needle can help to prevent issues from occurring.
