Domestic Sewing Machine Needles
Sewing problems will not be solved even by the right setup if the tool is not chosen correctly. A distinction is made between American and European sewing needle marking systems. If the numbering starts from sixty to one hundred and twenty is European, and sizes from eight to twenty-one include the overseas system. The two numbers are listed on the package so there is no confusion. For general-purpose machines, needles are labeled as follows: HAx1 or 130/705H.

On the quality of the material depends on the purchase of a needle of one type or another:
- Numbers 60/8 120/20 are universal and due to the slightly rounded tip suitable for all fabrics.
- Needle numbering, including sizes from 60/8 to 100/16, used when sewing knitted fabrics, the rounded point, which runs between the loops, distinguishes these needles.
- Needles with size 90/14 110/18 are ideal for sewing leather goods, leather goods, suede synthetic, their difference is the point in the form of a blade, which allows you to cut through heavy fabrics.
- Denim needle (size range from 90/14 to 110/18) is used when sewing garments made of fairly dense denim fabrics. The needle has a small eye, the shape of the point is rounded, and it does not bend.
To get a perfectly stitched product and have no problems with skipped stitches, you should constantly check the condition of the needle. Checking involves determining the quality of the piping and irregularities.
Incorrect installation of the needle: the cause of breakage
Tool that has been incorrectly installed causes the tool to malfunction. These malfunctions, in turn, result in the inability to continue sewing. Basic malfunctions. Broken needle and skipped stitches.
Causes of machine needle failure include:
- Inconsistency in needle number and fabric thickness;
- Warping the tool;
- The needle is not fully inserted in the needle bar;
- the needle bar itself may be bent.
How to insert the bobbin into the sewing machine do it yourself
Directly affects the quality of sewing has a properly tucked bobbin in the sewing machine. Many beginners are intimidated by this process. However, there is no difficulty in this if you clearly follow the manual.
Sewing machine tips
For sewing on the machine to deliver only positive emotions, it is necessary to follow the following recommendations:
- Before starting to sew, it is necessary to lower the presser foot.
- It is important to choose the right thickness of thread and needle in relation to the fabric.
- The thread underneath and on the bobbin must be the same.
- For convenience it is desirable to have several bobbins with different colors of thread.
- Damaged needles should be discarded without regret.
- Mechanisms of the sewing machine should be regularly cleaned and lubricated.
- The sewing machine handle must rotate by itself. At the same time it categorically can not be turned in the opposite direction. To sew backwards, move the stitch length adjuster “up” (for “Seagull” brand machines).
- Before the work and the upper and lower threads must be tucked under the foot, the ends “away”.
- When you have finished working, place a piece of cloth under the presser foot. The presser foot must be lowered.
- When working with fuzzy materials periodic cleaning of mechanisms, especially the shuttle device, should be performed more often than when working with non-fuzzy, such as cotton materials.
- Protect the sewing machine from mechanical damage, temperature fluctuations, humidity and dampness.
- When working with a foot sewing machine, it is necessary that the belt from the pulley passes over the starter wheel, connected to the foot pedal. After work, remove the belt from the starter wheel to prevent it from stretching.
For the sewing machine to last a long time, it must be carefully maintained. Remember, if it is in a bad condition, it will not be able to perform its main purpose. to sew.
How to insert the needle correctly into an industrial machine
The preparatory work starts the same way as for domestic appliances.
- set the needle bar to its highest position;
- loosen/unscrew the clamping screw;
- Insert the correct needle into the groove of the needle bar until it stops.
But when adjusting industrial equipment, you need to consider a peculiarity. The long groove must be on the left and the short groove on the right. Always insert the thread from the long groove side.
It is also important to check if the new needle is loose, as this can cause a breakage.
The same recommendations are appropriate to understand how to change the needle in the sewing machine.
How to Choose the Right Needle?
The great variety of needles on sale makes choosing the right one very difficult, even for professional seamstresses. Most needles look alike, and only under a magnifying glass can you see the different points, rods, and needle ears. The machine needle is designed in such a way that each of these parameters is important for sewing any piece or garment. What to look for when selecting a needle:
Machine owners should also pay attention to the manufacturer of quality needles. Some of the best are Japanese Organ Needles and German Schmetz. The needle is replaced after every major sewing project is completed, meaning that the point of the seamstress’ tool must always be sharp and the eyelet intact. Keeping these points in mind when selecting and using sewing needles, the machine user will always be satisfied with the sewing result.
Setting the upper thread regulator
It does not take long for the user to adjust the regulator, because it is only necessary to remove the cover, disconnect the element and disassemble the box. Next, the spring is released, it is worth putting the regulator and put the cover on. Then turn the head clockwise until it clicks.
Above considered machine “Chaika 134A”, which has a lot of advantages. For full use, you need to know the preparatory operations and adjustments. Owners of the model face failures, you must be prepared to fix thread breaks.
Check the correctness of the thread tension
Properly adjusted upper and lower working threads should have the same tension. In this case the control stitch will be equally tight, evenly distributed and look good on both the front and the wrong side. Only a properly adjusted machine can produce stitches that look neat and professional. If the seam is uneven, with loops or sagging areas, tightens, the tension of the working threads is adjusted incorrectly.
Example of incorrect thread tension in a stitch
Another problem is an improperly shaped stitch. Many machines do the stitching on the principle of “shuttle” stitching, when the upper and lower threads in the process of intertwining with each other. Stitch defects may indicate that one or both threads are incorrectly tensioned.
Installing the twin needle
Not all models are suitable for using this type of needle. Using a twin needle, you can sew two parallel stitches with different threads.
In order to install the twin needle it is not necessary to have a second needle holder on the sewing machine.
Double needle
The following is an example of how to properly insert a needle into a sewing machine:
- It is necessary to unscrew the fixing screw and remove the holder.
- When inserting the twin needle, turn the flat side away from you and place it in the needle holder.
- Use a screwdriver to turn the screw all the way in and lock the needle in place.
When threading, it is necessary to take into account that there are peculiarities in the case in question. To get it right, you need to do the following. The bobbin thread is threaded in the same way as for the universal needle, but now the tension must be slightly reduced.
The quality of the work depends on the correct installation of the needle
How to Insert a Sewing Machine Needle
The upper threads should be taken together and tucked into the thread guides in this way. However, before hand threading the needles, they are separated and inserted separately.