Replacing the Needle
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23
1
■
Thread and needle number
The lower the thread number is, the heavier the thread;
the higher the needle number, the larger the needle.
■
Embroidery needles
It is recommended to use a 75/11 home sewing machine
needle. However, if the machine is not stitching well
when embroidering on heavy weight fabric, please try a
90/14 needle.
Checking the needle
Before using the needle, place the flat side of the needle on a
flat surface and check that the distance between the needle
and the flat surface is even.
Replacing the needle
Use the screwdriver and a new needle that has been
determined to be straight according to the instructions in
“Checking the needle” on page 23.
a
Press
(Needle position button) once or twice to
raise the needle.
b
Place fabric or paper under the presser foot to cover
the hole in the needle plate to prevent the needle from
falling into the machine.
c
Press .
• When the message [OK to automatically lower the
presser foot?] appears on the LCD screen, press
to continue.
The screen changes, and all keys and operation
buttons are locked (except
).
d
Follow steps
c
to
d
“Replacing the embroidery
foot” on page 50 for removing the presser foot.
e
Hold the needle with your left hand, and then use a
screwdriver to turn the needle clamp screw toward
you (counterclockwise) to remove the needle.
• Do not apply a strong force when loosening or
tightening the needle clamp screw, otherwise certain
parts of the machine may be damaged.
Replacing the Needle
CAUTION
• Only use recommended home sewing machine
needles. Use of any other needle may bend the
needle or damage the machine.
• Never use bent needles. Bent needles can
easily break, possibly resulting in injuries.
1
Flat side
2
Needle type marking
3
Flat surface
4
Even
5
Not even
Note
• The machine needles are consumables. Replace
the needle in cases such as those described
below.
- If an unusual sound is produced when the needle
enters the fabric. (The tip of the needle may be
broken or dull.)
- If stitches are skipped. (The needle may be bent.)
1
2
c
d
e
CAUTION
• When replacing the needle, be sure that you
have pressed
on the operation panel to
lock all keys and buttons, otherwise injuries
may occur if the “Start/Stop” button or any
other button is pressed and the machine starts.
