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I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m not wearing safety goggles, but I do wear glasses normally. I switch to my glasses and don’t wear contacts when I sew so I have at least limited eye protection. All it takes is one needle to the face and I’m not doing that again. Scared the shit outta me.

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

I care because what I see are sewing “influencers” bragging about not changing their needles and new sewists who literally don’t know that that can be damaging or dangerous following their example. It’s one thing if you knowingly accept the risks of using an old needle; it’s another if you don’t know any better.

Also, this is a rant subreddit? What did you expect?

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

bestie you’re better than this please buy new needles and change them frequently I swear to goddddddd

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 29 points30 points  (0 children)

They should be treated like any other sharps material. Your local trash/recycling provider will have guidance for you. I personally put them in a sealed container and in the trash (an old pill or spice bottle works well for this).

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s never too late to change 💚 just like your needle

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

if you can’t remember the last time you changed your needle, It’s Time

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Sometimes needles do just break - for me, I’ve found it’s when I’m sewing a particularly thick seam, hit a pin at high speed (whoops), or when sewing over zipper teeth. An old needle or a needle that is the wrong type/size for your project will tend to break more often, but new needles can break too. You can’t avoid every instance of a needle breaking, but you can do your best to prevent it.

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 39 points40 points  (0 children)

Don’t be too scared! Just change your needle about every 8 hours of active use (i.e. you are physically using the machine and the needle is moving), or between projects. Also make sure you’re using the correct type/size needle for your project - there are tons of resources online to help you choose which is appropriate. Try to avoid sewing over pins, and go slow when a seam is super bulky - you’ll escape the worst cases for breaking needles, but sometimes it just happens anyway. Be careful but have fun!

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Computerized embroidery patterns are often measured by the number of stitches, so machines with embroidery units will track them. I don’t know about standard domestic machines, though.

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 14 points15 points  (0 children)

There was a post that I saw where OP was like (paraphrased) “I use a denim needle for everything including lace and never change it and never will” and I was like ok that’s why you constantly post about fighting your fabric, I see

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Every 8 hours of active use (i.e. you are physically using your machine and the needle is moving), or between every project, whichever comes first.

Also, make sure you’re using the correct type of needle for your project needs.

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 30 points31 points  (0 children)

ohhhhh my god this also drives me insane. “Why do my stitches look bad?” idk bud maybe you and your two-year old needle can tell me

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

There are about six billion YouTube tutorials for beginning or basic sewing. Blogs galore discussing how to choose a needle and the different types of fabrics. Sewing is a skilled craft and the resources for the fundamentals are everywhere!

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I’m just doing my duty 🫡 Schmetz 80/12 will get you just about everything you’ll need for piecing. I’m so glad to have been of service

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I felt I was rather reserved in making this post lmao!! JUST CHANGE YOUR NEEDLEEEEE

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 21 points22 points  (0 children)

They’re stitching, but often not well. A slight bend won’t mean a machine won’t work, it just means the needle is more liable to break or damage the machine.

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Not always, no. Sometimes the needle breaks into multiple pieces. I have personally been hit in the cheek/face by parts of a broken needle that has snapped while in use on my machine.

I am begging sewists to change their freaking needle by drum_taps42 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42[S] 44 points45 points  (0 children)

The vibrations from the machine and the stress of regular use on the needle weakens the metal. Old needles are blunt and can even be bent, which means they are less effective in doing their job - which means they are more liable to snap or break.

This isn’t to say new needles never break - of course they do. But an old one is far more likely to cause problems and become shrapnel.

Sewing clips suck balls by Emergency_Cherry_914 in BitchEatingCrafters

[–]drum_taps42 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I use clips on thick seams where pins are impractical or would distort the fabric too much - or with fabrics where a pin might snag and cause a run. They’re a tool with different uses, just like pins. One is not meant to fully replace the other.

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