A needle should be changed every 4-6 hours of sewing. The needle is the most inexpensive part in your sewing machine but is one of the most crucial for getting good results and keeping your machine running well. Don't scrimp on needles - this will keep you from doing what is best for your sewing projects and your machine. Remember to always use the correct needle for your project. The type of fabrics and thread will determine the the appropriate size and type of needle you may need. If you need help, please ask one of our qualified sales staff.

When you are having problems with your sewing machine, a good technician will first ask you if you've changed your needle recently. The next question is often, are you using a good quality thread? Any reputable sewing machine dealer will tell you to use only high quality thread. Why does it make a difference? 

As thread is guided through the sewing machine, it passes through many eye openings and tension disks. All the places that the thread travels have a purpose in maintaining the tension and stitch quality. If you're not purchasing quality thread, you may be
damaging the disks. Eventually you could have problems with the machine maintaining an even tension as you sew.

Poor quality thread or the wrong type of thread can cause poor stitches on any machine. Thread passes through the eye of the needle approximately 16 times in a "see saw" action before it forms a single stitch. Poor quality thread can result in crooked or looped stitches, puckered seams, frayed or broken thread, and/or needle breakage. Hold up some cotton piecing thread to the light and examine a few yards of it. If the thread is very fuzzy or has "slubs" which are clumps of excess lint spun into the thread, it is not a high quality thread. The amount of fuzz will affect the quality of your seam.

The quality of thread is determined by the staple length, or the length of the fibers that are twisted together. Look for long staple or extra long staple thread. Ply, roll and twist can also affect your stitch quality. If you run your finger along a strand of thread, it should be smooth. You will be much happier using the highest grade cotton. Although it costs more, it is well worth it. An extra long staple cotton will have very low lint and will be a much stronger thread. This means a cleaner sewing machine and less breakage, frustration, and down time. 

Be wary of old spools of thread recovered from grandma's sewing box. The fibers may be so weak and brittle that even if it sews into a seam, it may not hold together. Keep it as a treasure, not a supply!