How to change a sewing machine needle

Knowing how to take care of your sewing machine and how to tackle minor repairs or issues will help you produce great quality sewing projects with maximum enjoyment and minimum fuss. In this post we'll give you a simple guide to changing a sewing machine needle. We will show you how to position the needle in the correct position and make sure you choose the correct needle for your fabric.

Before we get on to how you change the needle on your sewing machine, it's important to know how frequently to change needles. Regular changing - after 5 hours' use or at the end of one project - will ensure your machine functions well and you get the best results from your sewing.

Sharp, new needles are kind to fabric, avoiding pulls and snags. A fresh needle won't snap in the middle of a task, leaving your thread in a mess and you having to do a fiddly change with a threaded, broken needle. If your sewing machine is making a thudding sound as you sew this is a sign that you need to change your needle.

So, stock up on new sewing machine needles (they aren't expensive) and make sure you change them regularly for the best results.

How to change a sewing machine needle in 8 easy steps

1. Raise the presser foot above the fabric
2. Place a piece of paper or light coloured fabric under the needle in case it falls - this will stop it falling into the sewing machine unit
3. Loosen the needle by turning the screw on the side of the needle clamp
4. Carefully hold the needle and pull down towards you and remove to a safe place
5. Hold the new needle with the flat side, or shank, facing towards the back of the machine, away from you
6. Insert the needle - push it up into the gap - and tighten the needle clamp screw
7. Check that the new needle is firmly in place
8. Re-thread and insert your fabric as necessary

Make sure your needle is in the correct place

If you insert the new needle at the wrong angle when you replace it your stitches will be uneven and the needle may simply fall out. Make sure you insert the needle straight up and push the top of the needle firmly into the hole as far as it will go.

Sometime the clamp screw won't fasten properly if the sewing needle is inserted incorrectly. This is a sign that you need to loosen the screw, remove the needle and start again.

Choose the right needle for your project

Different fabrics require different needles. It's vital to choose the right one that's not only compatible with your sewing machine but also with the particular fabrics you're using. If in doubt, go for a universal needle, which is designed for most fabrics and general use.

For specific projects you need to find a needle that is designed to work with that specific material. Cotton and linen fabrics are great for sewing and a universal needle will create beautiful, smooth stitches. 

Ball point needle

This will work with knit fabrics and polyester/cotton blend threads.

Sharps needle

For quilting or especially thick materials you need a sharps needle, designed for extra strength and puncture power.

Quilting needle

Like the sharps needle, this is for quilting where there are lots of layers of wadding, but it's a shorter length. This gives a more even stitch at faster speeds

Leather needle

Designed to go through tough leather or suede.

Stretch needle

For tricky stretchy materials that tend to bunch and gather, a stretch needle is your friend.

Jeans needle

This can handle thick denim without breaking, thanks to its reinforced shank and super-sharp sewing point.

Get these simple basics right and you'll be able to create fabulous sewing projects that look amazing and will last. Happy stitching!

For tips on choosing upholstery materials go here.