Know these 6 things before replacing a broken needle on your sewing machine

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned sewist, breaking a sewing machine needle is something you'll likely encounter. For beginners, this can be especially frustrating, as you may not realize that needle breaking is quite common. The frustration only grows when you're unsure why it's happening or how to correctly replace the broken needle. 

I remember feeling the same frustration early in my sewing journey. One of my first experiences with breaking needles happened while I was sewing a lace fabric adorned with small decorative pearls. Although I carefully removed the pearls that were in the way of the stitching, my needle kept breaking.

The situation became overwhelming, especially since I was racing against the clock to finish that project. Finally, I paused to troubleshoot and discovered that I had overlooked some tiny metal fasteners that were holding the pearls onto the fabric. These tiny pieces of metal were the real culprits behind my broken needles.

One of my projects - lace dress with small decorative pearls that broke my needles

Whenever your needle breaks, it's important to pause and troubleshoot before replacing it. This not only helps you identify the cause but also enables you to prevent future breaks. Here are some tips to help you understand why your sewing machine needle might be breaking:

Tip #1 - Thread Issues

If the thread isn't correctly oriented on the spool, it can create knots that can't pass through the needle eye. This puts pressure on the needle and can cause it to break. Additionally, thread or lint buildup can jam your machine, leading to the needle breaking.

Tip #2 - Fabric Weight

The weight of your fabric might be too light or too heavy for the needle. Always use the correct needle size for your fabric. Additionally, be cautious of decorative elements like crystals or stones on the fabric. Even a small stone can cause your needle to break. A fabric hammer can help remove these elements quickly instead of picking them out individually.

When your sewing machine needle breaks, pause and troubleshoot before replacing it.

Tip #3 - Bobbin Problems

Using the wrong bobbin or improperly placing it in the bobbin case can cause tension issues, which may put pressure on the needle, causing it to snap.

When your sewing machine needle breaks, pause... and take a moment to troubleshoot the problem before replacing it!

Tip #4 - Fabric Handling

Sewing machines are designed to move fabric automatically with minimal guidance from your hands. If you're gripping the fabric too tightly or pushing it too far, you can disrupt the needle's speed and movement, putting pressure on it and causing it to break.

Tip #5 - Sewing Machine Tension Settings

Incorrect tension settings can also lead to the needle breaking. Always ensure your tension is properly adjusted for the type of fabric and thread you're using.

Tip #6 - Needle Position and Condition

Ensure your needle is positioned all the way to the top and securely tightened. An improperly installed needle may interfere with the bobbin, leading to bending and breaking. Also, be mindful of the needle's condition—if it's blunt, it's more likely to break. Regularly changing your needle can help minimize breaking.

By understanding these common issues, you'll be better equipped to troubleshoot and avoid future needle breaks, making your sewing experience smoother and more enjoyable.

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