Most beginner sewists don’t realise just how important it is to change their sewing machine needle from time to time.

If your stitches are looking a bit off, or your machine is starting to eat your fabric...yes, that dreaded bunching or jamming, your needle might be to blame!

 

Why You Should Change Your Sewing Machine Needle

Sewing machine needles go through a lot of wear and tear, just like any other tool. A dull, bent, or damaged needle can:

• Cause skipped stitches
• Create uneven or messy seams
• Even damage your sewing machine over time

 

When Should You Change Your Needle?

The general rule is...every 8 hours of sewing or each time you switch fabric types

That said, I’ll be honest (and probably an unpopular opinion): I don’t change my needle after 8 hours. (And who’s really timing it?)

Instead, I follow this process:

1. If stitches look off or the fabric isn’t feeding right, I first rethread the machine.
2. If that doesn’t fix it, I inspect the needle.

If the needle is broken - obviously, it’s time to replace it. But what if it’s just slightly bent?

 

How to Tell if a Needle Is Bent

It's hard to tell while the needle is still in the machine. Here’s my go-to tip:

• Remove the needle and place it on a flat surface.
• Make sure the flat part at the top is facing down.
• If the needle doesn’t lie completely flat - it’s bent!

Bent needles can still look fine, but they mess with your stitch quality and can damage your fabric or machine.

 

How to Change a Sewing Machine Needle (Step-by-Step)

First things first: turn off your sewing machine! Safety first.

 

1. Loosen the Needle Clamp Screw

Use the small flathead screwdriver from your machine's accessory box (or your fingers) to loosen the screw on the right-hand side of the needle clamp.

Tip: You don’t need to remove the screw completely, just loosen it enough to wiggle the needle out.

2. Remove the Old Needle

Hold the needle with your left hand (or use tweezers) and gently pull it down and out.

3. Check Your New Needle

Before inserting a new needle:

• Place it flat on the table.
• Make sure the flat side of the top lies flush with the surface.
  If it doesn’t, grab another needle.

4. Insert the New Needle

• Hold the needle with the flat side facing the back of your machine.
• Insert it into the needle clamp and gently wiggle it around until it slides up into place.
• Push it up as far as it can go — give it a little extra nudge.
• Tighten the clamp screw to secure the needle.

 

That is it! You have just installed a fresh needle and given your sewing machine a little love.

 

Final Thoughts

Changing your needle regularly keeps your machine running smoothly and your stitches looking sharp.

It’s one of those tiny habits that makes a big difference, especially for beginners!

 

Thanks for reading and happy sewing!
Bye for now, B! xx