Sewing machine breaks the needle: causes and solutions
A sewing machine needle breaks, and you are now in need of a new needle. But before you go shopping, you want to make sure that you know the different causes and solutions to this problem.
If you accidentally dropped your sewing machine down the stairs, one of the needles might have been bent out of shape. In this case, the only solution would be to replace the entire needle assembly.
However, if you have just had a power outage and your machine is now intermittent on stitching due to a damaged needle sensor, then there might be a less severe solution. In this case, you can try to reset the sensor by following these instructions.
The sewing machine is a complex and useful tool; few people fully understand the intricate mechanisms that make it up through everyday use, whether for hobby or work.
Like all machines, a sewing machine is a combination of parts, from most important to least useful.
There are of course hundreds of models on the market, each of which meets different requirements in terms of cost and output: to be sure, choosing a quality sewing machine is essential to guarantee the longevity of the machine.
However, there are many different problems that can be encountered when using a sewing machine.
Of all the nightmares, however, one is arguably the worst of anyone sitting in front of a sewing machine: a broken needle.
Broken needles are harmful to health
You don’t have to be as imaginative as the best horror movie screenwriters to know what your biggest danger is when your job breaks a needle.
Unfortunately, fragments of a broken needle can fly off the sewing table and hit the person operating the machine (and this happens more often than you might think).
People often tend to bring their face closer to the sewing area in order to better see how the stitches and fabric are aligned: this proximity increases the risk of needle fragments hitting the eye.
This is not only a very unpleasant thing, but also a very dangerous thing.
If this happens to you, it is important to remain calm and call the emergency room right away. Avoid rubbing the injured area: this may worsen the eye condition.
There are many people who decide to wear only a pair of safety goggles to work on machines after eye injuries. While this may seem like an overkill, this simple foresight may actually be essential.
Sewing machine broken needle
What can cause a needle to break?
There are various causes, ranging from improper use of the sewing machine to malfunctioning.
Let’s look at the most common:
1) Excessive stretching of the fabric
As you approach a row of stitches, you usually stretch the fabric.
This mistake is common, not just for beginners!
Sometimes you feel that your sewing machine is not feeding the fabric well and you will stretch the fabric to help.
It is very important to remain focused and focused at all times while working: if the sewing machine is stimulated in an inappropriate way, it will make different noises and this is a signal that you need to pay special attention. In the best case, points are skipped.
The worst case is a broken needle.
Putting on the fabric actually puts pressure on the needle and it will naturally bend and eventually snap it off.
To avoid this mistake, it is important to keep your hands in the correct position and guide the cloth without pulling it to make it go faster.
The fabric feed (or feeding) jaws actually slide the fabric evenly at the correct set speed without the need for other external loads.
2) The needle does not fit the fabric
Needle breakage often occurs when the needle is not suitable for the fabric it is striking.
There are different sizes and gauges of needles on the market, ranging from 8 or 60 to 18 or 110 (two standard numbers).
The lower the number, the thinner the needle, so it’s good for thin, delicate fabrics like silk and chiffon.
For some special fabrics, such as jeans, denim, there are special superhard steel needles, the strength is from 90 to 110.
3) Car wash
Yes, the sewing machine must be kept clean and well maintained!
At least monthly cleaning is recommended, but this will largely depend on the fabric and how often the machine is used.
Some materials leave more residue, such as felt and wool.
These short fibers can clog the bedplate area and the dog teeth, making fabric feeding difficult and increasing the risk of needle breakage.
4) Change needles frequently
Even with the correct needle, wear can be one of the causes of broken needles.
It is important to replace the needle at the first sign of failure or when one of the following occurs:
- Pin or zip through it
- The thread frays easily
- Wrinkled or skipped seams
- The needle hits the hook (obvious because the sound changes)
Sewing Machine Breaks The Needle: Causes And Solutions
Sewing machines are a wonderful invention that allow us to create beautiful clothes, quilts, and other items. However, sewing machines can also be temperamental and one of the most common problems is a broken needle. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common causes of a broken needle and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
One of the most common causes of a broken needle is using the wrong type of needle for the fabric you’re working with. If you’re sewing through multiple layers of thick fabric, you’ll need to use a heavier-duty needle than if you’re working with lighter-weight fabric. Another cause of broken needles is hitting a pin or another object while you’re sewing. Always remove pins before sewing over them and be careful not to sew too close to the edge of your fabric.
If your sewing machine needle does break, don’t panic! First, remove any remaining pieces of the needle from the machine. Then, take a look at the type of needle you were using and make sure it’s the correct one for the fabric you’re working with. If not, replace it with the correct type of needle. Finally, rethread your machine and start sewing again.
Sewing machine breaks the needle: causes and solutions
If you’re a sewing enthusiast, then you know that one of the most frustrating things that can happen is when your sewing machine needle breaks. Not only does it interrupt your work, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the main reasons why needles break, as well as some solutions to prevent it from happening again.
One of the most common reasons for a broken needle is using the wrong type of needle for the fabric you’re working with. If you’re working with a heavy fabric like denim, for example, then you need to use a heavier-duty needle that can handle the thickness of the fabric. Using a lighter-weight needle on a heavy fabric can cause it to bend or break.
Another common reason for broken needles is sewing too fast. When you sew too quickly, the needle can get caught in the fabric and break. It’s important to sew at a moderate speed, especially when you’re first starting out, so that you can avoid breaking needles.
Finally, sometimes needles break simply because they’re old and have been used too much. If your needles are starting to show signs of wear, it’s time to replace them so that they don’t break while you’re sewing.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to avoid breaking needles in your sewing machine. But if it does happen, don’t despair! There are plenty of solutions to fix a broken needle so that you can get back to sewing in no time.
1. Check The Type Of Needle You Are Using
If you’re having trouble with your sewing machine needle breaking, the first thing you need to check is the type of needle you’re using. Make sure you’re using a needle that’s meant for the fabric you’re working with. For example, if you’re sewing with a heavy denim fabric, you’ll need to use a heavier duty needle than if you were sewing with a lightweight cotton fabric.
Another thing to keep in mind is the size of the needle. If you’re using a too small of a needle for the fabric you’re working with, it’s more likely to break. Needles also come in different sizes depending on the thickness of the thread you’re using. If you’re using a thin thread, make sure to use a smaller needle so that the eye of the needle isn’t too big and causes the thread to break.
If you’ve checked all of these things and you’re still having trouble with your needles breaking, it could be an issue with your sewing machine itself. If this is the case, it’s best to take it into a professional to have it looked at.
2. Check If The Presser Foot Is Down
If your sewing machine needle breaks frequently, one of the first things you should check is whether the presser foot is down. The presser foot holds the fabric in place as you sew, and if it isn’t down, the fabric can shift around and cause the needle to break. You should also make sure that the presser foot pressure is set correctly for the type of fabric you’re sewing. If it’s too high, the fabric can pucker or bunch up; if it’s too low, the fabric can slip and cause the needle to break.
Another common cause of needle breakage is sewing over a pin or other sharp object. Always remove pins before sewing over them, and be careful not to sew over anything that could damage the needle. If you do accidentally sew over a pin, stop immediately and remove it before continuing.
If your machine’s needle continues to break even after you’ve checked these things, take it to a qualified technician for a tune-up. A properly functioning machine shouldn’t break needles, so there may be something wrong that a technician can fix.
3. Cleaning The Bobbin Case And Feed Dog Area
If your sewing machine is skipping stitches, it could be because the bobbin case and feed dog area are dirty. Over time, lint and dust build up in these areas and can cause the moving parts to function improperly. To clean these areas, first remove the bobbin case and then use a soft brush to remove any lint or debris. You can also use a vacuum cleaner with a soft attachment to help remove any stubborn dirt. Once you’ve cleaned both the bobbin case and feed dog area, reassemble your sewing machine and test it out to see if the problem has been fixed.
If your sewing machine is still skipping stitches, there could be another issue at play. It’s possible that the needle is damaged or not properly inserted into the machine. If the needle appears to be bent or broken, it will need to be replaced. If the needle is properly inserted but still isn’t working correctly, try changing to a new needle of the same size and type. Sewing machine needles aren’t meant to last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. By following these steps, you should be able to fix a skipped stitch problem on your own.
4. Inspect For Any Damage To The Throat Plate
If your sewing machine needle breaks while you are sewing, the first thing you should do is check the throat plate for any damage. The throat plate is the metal plate that covers the area where the needle goes through the fabric. If there is any damage to this plate, it could cause the needle to break. To fix this, simply replace the throat plate with a new one.
Another possible reason for a broken needle is if the presser foot is not properly aligned. The presser foot is the metal piece that holds the fabric down while you sew. If this is not aligned correctly, it can put stress on the needle and cause it to break. To fix this, simply realign the presser foot and try sewing again.
Finally, if your sewing machine needle continues to break, you may need to replace the needle itself. Needles wear out over time and will eventually need to be replaced. If you are using a high-quality needle, it should last for several hours of sewing before needing to be replaced. However, if you are using a cheaper needle, it may only last for an hour or two before breaking.
5. Adjust The Stitch Length And Width Settings
If your sewing machine is breaking needles, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue. First, check the stitch length and width settings. If the settings are too high, it can cause the needle to break. Adjust the settings accordingly and see if that fixes the problem.
If the problem persists, take a look at your thread. Make sure it is good quality and not old or frayed. If it is old or frayed, replace it with new thread. Finally, check your needle. It should be sharp and in good condition. If it is dull or damaged, replace it with a new one.
6. Use A Good Quality Thread
If you want your sewing projects to look their best, it is important to use a good quality thread. Not all threads are created equal and using a cheap, poor quality thread will only result in lower quality stitches that are more likely to break or come undone.
There are a few things to look for when choosing a good quality thread. The first is the ply, or thickness of the thread. A thicker ply will be stronger and less likely to break than a thinner ply. The second thing to look at is the twist. This refers to how tight the strands of thread are twisted together. A tighter twist will produce a stronger thread that is less likely to fray or come undone.
Finally, you’ll want to pay attention to the length of the thread. A longer length will allow you to sew for longer periods of time without having to stop and re-thread your needle as often. When it comes to sewing, using a good quality thread will make all the difference in the finished product.
7. Check Tension Settings
If your sewing machine breaks the needle, there are a few things you can check before taking it in for repairs. First, check the tension settings. If the tension is too loose, the needle will not be able to grab the thread and form stitches correctly. If the tension is too tight, the needle could break. The best way to fix this is to consult your sewing machine’s manual and adjust the tension accordingly.
Another possible cause of a broken needle is using the wrong type of needle for the fabric you’re working with. There are different types of needles for different fabrics – some are sharp and some are dull. Using a dull needle on a delicate fabric can cause it to tear, while using a sharp needle on a thick fabric can cause it to break. Again, referring to your sewing machine manual should help you determine which type of needle to use.
Finally, if you’re still having problems with breaking needles, it’s possible that there is something wrong with your sewing machine itself. In this case, it’s best to take it in for repairs or get a new one altogether.
8. Always Unplug When Not In Use Or Changing Needles
When it comes to your sewing machine, one of the most important things you can do is unplug it when you’re not using it. This seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to do this simple step. Not only does it save you from potential accidents, but it also prolongs the life of your machine.
Another crucial step is to always change your needle after each project. This might seem like overkill, but needles dull quickly and can cause all sorts of problems if they’re not replaced regularly. Trust us, it’s worth the effort to keep your machine in tip-top shape!
9. Store Properly When Not In Use Dust Cover Over Sewing Machine Head
When you’re not using your sewing machine, it’s important to store it properly to keep it clean and dust-free. One way to do this is to cover the sewing machine head with a dust cover. You can purchase a dust cover specifically for your sewing machine model, or you can use a piece of cloth to create a makeshift cover.
If you’re using a dust cover, be sure to remove it before you start sewing. Otherwise, the fabric might get caught in the moving parts of the machine. It’s also a good idea to clean off your sewing machine before you store it, even if you’ve just used it. This will help remove any dust or debris that could accumulate over time.
To clean your sewing machine, start by removing any lint or thread that’s caught in the bobbin case. Then, use a soft cloth to wipe down the exterior of the machine. Be careful not to get any water on the electrical components of the machine. Once you’ve cleaned off the outside of the machine, replace the needle and Bobbin case before storing it away.
10. Take Your Sewing Machine In For Regular Tuneups To Keep It Running Well
If you want your sewing machine to last, you need to take good care of it. That means regular cleanings and oiling, as well as getting it tuned up on a regular basis. Most people don’t realize that sewing machines need tuneups just like any other type of machinery. Just like your car, your sewing machine needs to be in top running condition to perform its best.
Sewing machine tuneups usually involve a thorough cleaning of the machine, as well as oiling all of the moving parts. This helps to keep the machine running smoothly and prevents problems down the road. Tuneups also typically include adjusting the tension on the needle and checking the timing of the machine. These are two crucial elements of sewing machine operation that can easily get out of whack if not properly maintained.
If you’re not comfortable doing a tuneup yourself, there’s no shame in taking your machine into a professional for help. In fact, this is often the best way to ensure that your machine gets the care it needs. Sewing machine repair professionals have experience with all different types of machines and can quickly identify any issues that need to be addressed.
Don’t wait until your sewing machine starts acting up to give it some TLC – by then, it may be too late. Be proactive about taking care of your machine and schedule regular tuneups to keep it running in tip-top shape for years to come.
Conclusion
Sewing machines are a great way to save time and money by doing it yourself. But, like any machinery, they are susceptible to breaking down. In this blog post, we discussed the most common cause of a sewing machine needle breaking: the type of needle being used. We also discussed other possible causes, such as the presser foot being down, and how to fix them. Finally, we gave some tips on how to prevent future problems, such as regular tune-ups and proper storage.