Nice article. I always used to use my needles until they broke. It was a revelation to me when I came back to sewing after a 20 year break to learn that sewing machine needles are consumables, and you should expect to change them often.
Thanks! I especially appreciate the warning about titanium needles (found in another article). I was just about to purchase some online when I read your comment that they can damage your foot or plate!
Thought I'd mention, as a collector of vintage and antique sewing machines (and I sew only on them), that when it comes to the old ones, all bets are off. Some may still use the 15x1, but the older you go the more likely you are to find some odd ones. (That's part of where manufacturers saying you have to use only their needles came from - once upon a time that could be true. It was the Wild West of needles.)
ISMACS has a needle guide available on their website for finding modern substitutes. Even among otherwise identical models (looking at you, Jones Medium 🤨), sometimes they take different needles. It can be a bit more work to find just the right ones, but it's so satisfying to get the old ones sewing again.
All this techy-mechanical stuff is great. Don't recall looking that close, my Bernina 801 had a needle installed already. Checked book, p. 9 says flat side back. Removed & tried installing multiple ways. Appears to be able to go in flat side front or back, but not sideways. Made sure it was reinstalled to back. Lots of config & operational factors seem to affect stitch quality, continuous learning.
Probably a dumb question, but why all the different needle positions? I understand decorative stitches needing different positions, but why the positions for “quilting” straight stitching (on my M7) vs the far left position with the accufeed? Why don’t all the straight stitches use the same needle position?
Cale;
You do a great Job on writing all your Articles! I’m learning so much & love your Tips!
Thank you so much!
Fascinating. All this information I didn’t know I needed!
Nice article. I always used to use my needles until they broke. It was a revelation to me when I came back to sewing after a 20 year break to learn that sewing machine needles are consumables, and you should expect to change them often.
Thanks! I especially appreciate the warning about titanium needles (found in another article). I was just about to purchase some online when I read your comment that they can damage your foot or plate!
Thought I'd mention, as a collector of vintage and antique sewing machines (and I sew only on them), that when it comes to the old ones, all bets are off. Some may still use the 15x1, but the older you go the more likely you are to find some odd ones. (That's part of where manufacturers saying you have to use only their needles came from - once upon a time that could be true. It was the Wild West of needles.)
ISMACS has a needle guide available on their website for finding modern substitutes. Even among otherwise identical models (looking at you, Jones Medium 🤨), sometimes they take different needles. It can be a bit more work to find just the right ones, but it's so satisfying to get the old ones sewing again.
All this techy-mechanical stuff is great. Don't recall looking that close, my Bernina 801 had a needle installed already. Checked book, p. 9 says flat side back. Removed & tried installing multiple ways. Appears to be able to go in flat side front or back, but not sideways. Made sure it was reinstalled to back. Lots of config & operational factors seem to affect stitch quality, continuous learning.
Hi Cale,
I really love your newsletters as you are able to explain so many questions I've had in such a logical and precise way. Thank you!
Probably a dumb question, but why all the different needle positions? I understand decorative stitches needing different positions, but why the positions for “quilting” straight stitching (on my M7) vs the far left position with the accufeed? Why don’t all the straight stitches use the same needle position?
Thank you!!!
Perhaps a silly question- but do the same rules apply for home sergers as well?
I'm going to change my needle tomorrow - I realise that I have no idea how long it's been in the machine. Your advice is invaluable, thank you!
Terrific article, straight to the point :)