Changing the Needle
Important: Turn the power switch to the “O” (Off) position
before inserting or removing the needle.
The needle should be replaced at the first sign of thread
breakage or skipped stitches. Always select the correct
type of needle and size for the fabric being sewn.
1. Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the
handwheel counterclockwise.
2. Lower the presser foot.
3. Loosen the needle clamp screw (a) by turning it
counterclockwise. (Fig. 1)
4. Remove the needle from the needle clamp.
5. Insert a new needle (b) into the needle clamp making
sure that the flat side of the needle (c) is facing away
from you. (Fig. 1) When inserting the needle into the
needle clamp, push it up as far as it will go (d).
6. Tighten the needle clamp screw firmly by turning it
clockwise.
Note:The sewing needle must always be straight and sharp
for smooth sewing. (Fig. 2)
Replace the needle if it is:
e. Bent
f. Blunt
g. Point is damaged
To check if a needle is bent, place the flat side of the needle
onto a flat surface (i.e. needle plate or glass). (Fig. 3) The
gap between the needle and the flat surface should be
consistent. Never use a bent or blunt needle because a
damaged needle can cause permanent snags or runs in
knits, fine silks and silk-like fabrics.
Selecting Needle and Thread
For general sewing, use needle size 11 or 14. A fine thread
and needle should be used for sewing lightweight fabrics so
that the fabric will not crinkle. Heavy fabrics require a
needle large enough to pierce the fabric without fraying the
fabric.
13
Fig. 3
Fig. 2
e
f
g
Fig. 1
a
b
c
d
Fabric
Thread
Needle
Light
Weight
Medium
Weight
Heavy
Weight
Crepe de Chine,
Voile, Lawn,
Organdy,
Georgette, Tricot
80 to 100 Fine Silk
80 to 100 Fine Cotton
80 to 100 Fine Polyester
50 Silk
9 (65)
or
11 (75)
11 (65)
or
14 (90)
60 to 80 Cotton
50 to 80 Synthetic
Cotton Covered
Polyester
50 Cotton
Denim, Tweed,
Gabardine,
Coating, Drapery
and Upholstery
Fabric, Canvas
Linen, Cotton,
Pique, Serge,
Double Knit,
Percale
50 Silk
40 to 50 Cotton
40 to 50 Synthetic
Cotton Coverred
Polyester
30 Silk
30 Cotton
14 (90)
16 (100)
14 (90)
or
16 (100)
Summary of Contents for 612C
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