What is the point!  

We are going to give you a mini overview of a few sharp things that we think you should know about. 

Let’s start with sewing machine needles, this is a great eye opener as I'm sure many of you don't know much about sewing machine needles. There are a few important things you need to know. 

Did you know you need to change your need  in your sewing machine every 6- 8 hours of sewing.  If you are wondering why then its for several reasons.

  1. A blunt needle puts your machine motor under more pressure, the more blunt the needle,  the more resistance for the machine.
  2. A blunt needle can cause tension problems
  3. A new needle will stitch more accurately as it hits the fibres, it will be more likely to glide through your fabric, resulting in more accurate sewing.
  4. It saves thread, a blunt needle can contribute the thread breakage.

Then there are the different types of needles. This can have a big impact on what you are sewing. For now we are just going to highlight what we use, as it’s a minefield of information.

There are many other types of needles, you can always contact us for advice and information on what to use when!

Universal- good for all types of general sewing and usually the most economical needle.

 

Top stitch- I use top stitch for most of my sewing, for several reasons. There is a big eye, and they are super sharp so will penetrate the fibres, giving a clean straight line. They are good with all weights of thread and they are also good for stitching through several layers. Also great for quilting. 

Jeans needle- a good old fashion super strong needle for stronger fabrics. 

There are also different weights of needles, the higher the number the stronger the needle. Just stick with a medium weight needle if you are unsure. So, 75/11 or 80/12.

We do sewing machine service and repair and often the when machines arrive often the problem arising can be caused by just the needle. So always check the following

  1. Is the needle bent?
  2. Does the needle need replacing?
  3. Does your machine need cleaning?

 If you are someone sewing regularly you should be getting your machine serviced every year, but in between the professional service you need to clean out your machine, by taking off the plate under the needle and using a sewing machine brush to take out any lint or build up of fluff. You can damage your machine by not taking care of it.

Keep your brush and screwdrivers handy to remind you to take care of your machine. Pictured below is a handy Service kit 

Sew off you go and give your machine some tender loving care!

Oh one more thing, my TOP TIP is: If you are having trouble threading your machine hold a piece of white paper behind the needle, this will help you see the hole to put the thread through.

Happy stitching!