12
Changing the Needle
CAUTION:
Turn OFF the power switch before changing the needle.
Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the
handwheel counterclockwise, and lower the presser foot.
Loosen the needle clamp screw by turning it
counterclockwise. Remove the needle from the needle
clamp.
Insert a new needle into the needle clamp with the flat
side to the rear. When inserting the needle into the
needle clamp, push it up as far as it will go.
Tighten the needle clamp screw firmly by turning it
clockwise.
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Needle clamp screw
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Flat side
To see if the needle is in good condition, place the flat
side of the needle onto something flat (needle plate,
glass etc.). The gap between the needle and the flat
surface should be consistent. Never use a bent or
blunt needle.
A damaged needle can cause permanent snags or runs
in knits, fine silks and silk-like fabrics.
Selecting Thread and Needles
For general sewing, use needle size 11/75 or 14/90.
A fine thread and needle should be used for sewing
lightweight fabrics, so the fabric will not be marred.
Heavy fabrics require a needle large enough to pierce
the fabric without fraying the needle thread.
Always test the needle size on a small scrap of the fabric
that will be used for actual sewing.
In general, use the same thread for the needle and
bobbin. When sewing stretch fabrics, very fine fabrics
and synthetics, use a BLUE TIPPED needle. The blue
tipped needle effectively prevents skipped stitches.
Fabric
Light
Thread
Needle
Medium
Heavy
Lawn
Georgette
Tricot
Wool
Polyester
Cotton
Polyester
Fine jersey
Wool
Denim
Jersey
Coating
Quilting
Silk #80-100
Cotton #80-100
Synthetic #80-100
Silk #50
Cotton #60-80
Synthetic #50-80
Cotton #50
Silk #50
Cotton #40-50
Synthetic #40-50
Silk #30
Cotton #50
#9/65–11/75
#11/75–14/90
#14/90
#14/90–16/
100
#16/100
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