Needle Sharpness

[Marmar]

Is anyone have issues with needle sharpness? Is it certain brands of needles that seem to get dull more easily than others? I remember being able to sew for hours and hours and quilts and quilts without having to change a needle and now since I bought a new machine, I am having issues with that.

[Sandy Navas]

I am not certain what machine you are using, but I've had problems on my Viking when doing embroidery. I finally found that if I buy needles made for Janome that I don't have any problem at all. Also, are you just now starting to quilt? Rule of thumb (whatever that means) is that you should change your needle after every major project or after 8 hours sewing time. I, for one, don't do this - but I have learned the sounds of my machine and can readily tell when I need to change a needle or when I need to clean the bobbin, when something has caused any other problem. And, when I clean my bobbin area, unless I am almost finished with something I'm working on - or if I have just changed the needle a short time before - I change the needle then. Quilting through several thicknesses and through batting will help dull a needle quicker than just routine sewing.

[Marmar]

Well, have been quilting on and off for about 20 years now. Current machine is a Janome DC 2012 just bought 11/2012. Been through 3 needles so far ( 2 size 14 and 1 blue tip top stitch) on the same quilt, small lap quilt really about 45 x 45 in, but quite a bit top 'echo quilting'. The needles are not broken, but just don't seem very sharp. Still seems (seams ! ?) that needles shouldn't get dull that quickly. I understand the 'sound' you mean when it's time for a new needle, but on my old Kenmore, I bet I made 2 or 3 quilts before changing needles.

[Sandy Navas]

Interesting - but I do believe it is like most things these days. Cut back on quality and hope the consumer doesn't notice. Or, sometimes there just happens to be a batch that makes it through quality control . . . maddening, isn't it? I ran across a box of Singer needles the other day - one of those huge 100 needle packs - that I had forgotten all about. Who knows where I got them or how old they are - but I am going to be trying those instead of investing a bunch of moola on new needles for a while.

I share your frustrations.