Sewing Tip for June, Your Machine Needles

Sewing machine needles. They are our everyday tool to make those amazing handbags, quilts and so much more. We rely on them and expect them to function properly.
Often tho, they do not and we do not realize it. It is the little things that make the difference in your art.
What happens, the tip of the needle become blunt, if you look at it and touch the needle point it may seem normal to you, even feel sharp. But in reality, it is not as sharp as it was when you first began.
Running a dull needle will do many things, first it puts a lot of wear and tear on your sewing machine. It allows the motor in the machine to work harder then what it should, which in turn will put a lot of stress of the motor and cause you to send it to the shop more often then needed.
Next it will cause damage to your fabric, those fine fabrics will have little runs in them and if the needle is dull enough it will cause the same in those beautiful cottons we love so much.
If you listen to a new needle sewing in the machine, it pierces the fabric with out any friction, if you listen to a needle that has been used more then what it should, you will hear the needle pierce the fabric and sound as if it is going through paper and even struggle at times.
For every 5 small projects to 1 or 2 large projects, depending how much machine stitching you use. Change out your needle to a new one and throw the old away.
I know needles are expensive, but in the long run it will save you money at the machine shop.