I have been purchasing vintage machines and accessories. Something that has surprised me with every purchase is that most include a package of unopened machine needles. These are 40 and 50-year-old machines. One of the machines is almost 100 years old!

It really begs the question: what were people saving these needles for? I have learned that many people don’t change their needle unless it breaks. Needles and thread are the fuel for a sewing machine. If you want it to run, and run well, it needs frequent needle changes, after every 10-12 hours of sewing or if you run over a pin or zipper stop, plus the best thread you can get. You cannot tell if a needle is good by looking at it unless you have a microscope and knowledge of needles.

If you can’t remember the last time you changed your needle, this is your permission slip to do it now. If you sew a lot, get a box of 100 Schmetz needles in the size and type you need most often. Schmetz has a great pocket guide if you want guidance on choosing the right needle.

Ctrl-Alt-Del for your sewing machine

Back in the day, I provided desktop computer support. So many problems went away by restarting the computer. The same idea applies to sewing. If your thread keeps breaking or your stitches are wonky, changing your needle and rethreading it (with the presser foot up!) are the Ctrl-Alt-Del of sewing machines. It’s troubleshooting that really works: for computers, sewing machines, AND life.

Photo by Every Angle on Unsplash