How to Troubleshoot Sewing Machine Needle Problems (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

If your sewing machine is misbehaving, the needle might be the culprit.

In today's blog post I want to talk about one of the most common causes of sewing machine issues: the needle. If your machine is skipping stitches, refusing to sew, or just acting fussy, checking the needle is always a great place to start.

Choose the Right Needle for Your Machine

Every sewing machine has its own preferences when it comes to needles. You can find the exact recommendations in your machine’s instruction manual, which will guide you through the different types and sizes.

I once bought some Organ twin needles and my machine absolutely hated them. I was convinced something had broken and that I’d need a repair, but it turned out my machine is just very particular. It works best with Schmetz, Prym, and the official Brother needles. Anything else, and it simply refuses to cooperate.

So if your machine suddenly stops sewing, the needle brand could be the issue.

How to Safely Change Your Needle

Before you start, place a piece of fabric underneath the needle. This way, if it drops, it won’t fall into your machine and cause a jam.

Most machines come with a small tool that looks like a coin with a hole in the middle. This is for loosening and tightening the needle screw.

Use the tool to gently loosen the screw, then finish unscrewing it with your fingers. The needle should slide straight out.

Putting the New Needle In Correctly

Look closely at the needle. One side is smooth, and the back is flat. That flat side must always face the back of the machine. This is the same for all sewing machines.

If you tilt the needle slightly, you’ll see a small semicircular-shaped hole where it fits. There’s only one correct way for it to go in.

Push the needle up as far as it will go, tighten it gently with your fingers, and then use the tool to fully secure it. If it isn’t tight enough, the needle can drop out while you’re sewing, which can be dangerous.

Final Thoughts

Once your needle is firmly in place, your machine should be ready to sew smoothly again.

If you’ve had any trouble with sewing machine needles, or if you have questions about choosing or changing them, feel free to leave a comment. I’m always happy to help.