How to change a needle

find out more

Place a scrap of fabric under the presser foot, then using the screwdriver in your tool kit, loosen the screw holding the needle in (to the right and above the needle). Unscrew enough for the needle to drop out.
Select the appropriate needle for the project you are about to work on and insert as far up as possible in the hole. Machine needles have a flattened shank on one side which is used to ensure correct insertion. Generally the flat part is faced to the back of the machine (check your user’s manual).
Holding the needle in position, tighten the screw by hand, then finish using the screwdriver. This is important to ensure it remains securely in place when stitching. A needle that becomes loose will wobble about and bend or break, possibly damaging the throat plate and bobbin race.
If the needle breaks when stitching (without any apparent reason) it is probably too small. Try a larger one. If the seam pulls up, there are obvious stitch holes or stitches are skipped, it may be too big, so try a smaller needle.

More Helpful Tips...

Give extra shape to frocks and tops with this handy sleeve enhancement. You can easily add interest to the head of the sleeve, and how it travels over the top of the arm, simply by using tucks, gathers, pleats and darts. Each of these will require a sligh

Improve Your Rolled Hems

Guarantee flowing hemlines that hang like a dream. Keen dressmaker Sarah Greeff has colourful memories of her first attempts at making a rolled hem. “I was first asked to make rolled hems for a colleague at Fenwick of Bond Street"

Perfect Your Piping

Know Your Overlocking

Get to grips with the best overlocking finishes for everyday stitching. The overlocker has a different feel to a regular sewing machine. The trick is to let the feed dog guide the fabric. Use your right hand to support the edge of the material, taking car

Master French Seams

Get to grips with a clever seam favourite for a continental finish! French seams are common in clothes for children, where the skin is extra sensitive, as the inside is completely smooth.

Fix a Frayed Pocket

A quick fashion fix with Amanda Bowden's classic miracle mend. The dread of torn stitching can be traumatic. Pockets are a common site of injury for catching on things, to say nothing of natural wear and tear as hands go in and out, and even the continued