There is nothing worse than having your sewing machine needle break. It can be an expensive and time-consuming problem to fix, so it’s essential to understand how your sewing machine works and how it can go wrong. This post describes how to fix a broken sewing machine needle and how to avoid the problem in the first place.
It is essential to understand what causes your sewing machine to stop functioning. When a sewing machine needle gets stuck, it’s best to try and remove it manually. If that doesn’t work, you might have to take the sewing machine apart and remove it manually.
12 Reasons why your sewing machine needle Keeps breaking
We will discuss 12 reasons and their solutions in the following paragraphs. Knowing what causes your sewing machine to stop functioning correctly is essential.
There are different parts of a sewing machine, including the sewing machine motor, the sewing needle, the bobbin winder, and the sewing foot. If these parts stop working, your sewing machine will not function properly.
Incorrect needle type: Sewing machines usually have four types of needles. The first one is the quilting needle. It is used for quilting and embroidery purposes. The second is the regular needle. It is used for everyday sewing purposes.
The third type is the dressmaker’s needle. This is usually used on thick fabrics. The fourth type is the embroidery needle. It is used on lightweight fabric. Using the wrong type of needle for the fabric you’re sewing on can cause the needle to break.
For example, using a heavy-duty needle on lightweight fabric or a fine needle on thick fabric can cause the needle to break.
Bent needle: A bent needle can easily break when it comes into contact with the fabric or sewing machine parts.
A bent needle can cause many problems for a sewing machine and is a common reason for needle breakage.
When a needle is bent, it may no longer follow the correct path through the fabric and other machine parts, catching on the fabric or other machine parts and potentially breaking.
Dull needle: A dull needle can cause the machine to work harder, leading to the needle breaking.
A dull needle is a common issue that can cause several problems for a sewing machine.
When a needle is dull, it may not be able to penetrate the fabric cleanly and may cause the machine to work harder to complete each stitch. This extra strain on the machine can lead to problems, including skipped stitches, thread breakage, and even needle breakage.
Improper needle insertion: If the needle is not inserted properly or tightened correctly, it can easily break.
Proper needle insertion and tightening are essential to ensure the proper functioning of a sewing machine.
If the needle is not inserted correctly, it can result in several problems, including the needle breaking, stitches not forming correctly, and the fabric not feeding properly through the machine.
Incorrect threading: Incorrect threading of the machine can cause the needle to break as it comes into contact with the fabric.
Correct threading of a sewing machine is essential for proper stitching and to prevent needle breakage.
Incorrect threading can cause many issues, including needle breakage, uneven stitching, and other problems.
Tension too tight: If the tension is too tight, the needle can bend and break. Tension is an essential factor in sewing machine operation, and it can significantly impact the quality of your stitches. If the tension is too tight, it can cause various problems, including broken needles.
Using the wrong thread: Using the wrong thread can cause the needle to break, especially if the thread is too thick or too thin for the needle.
Using the wrong thread can significantly impact the performance of a sewing machine and can even cause the needle to break. If the thread is too thick or too thin for the needle, it can cause the machine to work harder, leading to excess wear and tear on the needle and other machine parts.
Needle-hitting machine parts: If the needle hits the throat plate or other machine parts, it can easily break. Using the wrong thread in a sewing machine can cause many problems, including needle breakage.
The thread needs to be compatible with the needle, the fabric, and the machine itself. If the thread is too thick or too thin, it can cause the needle to break and may also damage the machine.
It can easily break if the needle hits the throat plate or other machine parts. This can be caused by several factors, including incorrect threading, incorrect needle insertion, or using the wrong machine settings.
Worn or damaged machine parts, such as the throat plate, needle plate, or hook, can cause it.
Sewing at high speed: Sewing at high speeds can cause the needle to break, primarily if the machine is not maintained correctly. Sewing at high speeds can be an effective way to increase productivity and complete sewing projects quickly.
However, sewing at high speeds can also cause several problems, including broken needles, damaged fabric, and even damage to the sewing machine itself—one of the most common issues that can occur when sewing at high speeds is needle breakage.
Fabric jamming: If the fabric gets jammed in the machine, it can cause the needle to break. Fabric jamming is joint when using a sewing machine and can cause many problems, including needle breakage. When fabric becomes jammed in the machine, it can prevent the machine from moving correctly, causing the needle to bend or break.
Fabric jamming can occur for several reasons, such as using the wrong thread tension or the wrong type of needle for sewn fabric. Poorly threaded machines can also cause fabric jamming, as can poorly maintained machines, where there is a build-up of lint or debris.
Old or worn-out parts: Old or worn-out machine parts, such as the hook, bobbin, or needle plate, can cause the needle to break.
Old or worn-out machine parts commonly cause needle breakage in sewing machines. Parts such as the hook, bobbin, and needle plate can wear down over time and develop rough or damaged surfaces that can catch and break the needle.
Incorrect machine settings: If the machine settings are incorrect for the fabric you’re sewing on, such as stitch length, speed, or pressure, it can cause the needle to break.
Using incorrect machine settings while sewing can cause many problems, including needle breakage. Each fabric type requires specific settings for the machine to perform optimally, and using the wrong settings can lead to poor stitch quality and even machine damage.
FAQS
The remedy for needle breaking depends on the cause of the breakage. Some possible solutions include using the correct needle type and size for the sewn fabric, checking the needle for damage or dullness, ensuring that the machine is threaded correctly, adjusting the tension or stitch length settings, and checking for any obstructions or worn-out machine parts. It’s essential to diagnose the specific cause of the needle breakage to determine the appropriate remedy.
The most common cause of needle thread breaks is incorrect tension. If the tension is too tight, the thread may break as it passes through the needle or cause the needle to bend or break. If the tension is tight enough, the thread may not be adequately secured, leading to skipped stitches or loops. Other possible causes of needle thread breaks include using the wrong type or weight of thread, using a dull needle, and improperly threading the machine.
The tension setting for a sewing machine will depend on the specific machine and the fabric used. Generally, for most fabrics, the tension should be set between 4 and 5. However, it’s essential to consult the machine’s user manual or a sewing guide for specific recommendations, as the tension setting can vary depending on the machine and fabric. It’s also a good idea to perform a test stitch on a scrap piece of fabric before starting a project to ensure that the tension is set correctly.
If your sewing needle hits the plate, it could be due to several issues. One possible cause is using the wrong type or size of needle for the fabric being sewn. Another possible cause is improper threading of the machine, which can cause the needle to veer off course and hit the plate. A bent or damaged needle can also cause the needle to hit the plate, such as an incorrect tension setting or stitch length. It’s essential to diagnose the specific cause of the issue to determine the appropriate solution.