can someone please tell me what you do with your needle after creating designs with sticky back stabilizer? Are they no more good after you make a couple things with them? They do have sticky stuff on them

I use either Goo Gone or Goof Off on a Qtip to clean a sticky needle.

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by pldc 07 Oct 2015

thank you Theresa, ~hugs~

I have a small bottle of methylated spirit and some cotton buds to clean the needle when necessary. Works well for me.

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by pldc 07 Oct 2015

seems Marian is in agreement with you, I will investigate Methylated spirit to find out what it is. thanks

I've always used methylated spirits to clean my gummy needles but I do like some of the suggestion below. Thanks for asking. Marian

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by pldc 07 Oct 2015

good idea, thank you ~hugs~

I put some Sew Smooth on the thread when it is on the spool, just a light drizzle down the spool and then put some on my finger and rub it on the needle. Will stop the machine and do the needle again if it looks like it is sticking. Takes a little time but works good and does not stain the fabric..

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by pldc 07 Oct 2015

I never heard of this, thank you I will have to see what I can find out about it

some baby wipes will remove it

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by pldc 06 Oct 2015

that is a new one for me too thanks

I use the sticky back stabilizer "Filmoplast", and my needle is not bad after. But I never use glue in spray

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by pldc 06 Oct 2015

thanks for the information ~hugs~

I have found the ONLY sticky back stabilizer that will not leave anything on your needle is Floriani's. Yes, it's costly but worth it! I actually threw out the other "peel & stick" I had...and I don't throw out anything! I use it all the time with little tee shirts. I don't like the stuff you spray your other stabilizer with.

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by pldc 06 Oct 2015

also good to know Gerry, ~hugs~

Baby oil is a good glue remover

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by pldc 06 Oct 2015

ok now that I never thought of, thanks for the tip. ~hugs~

I use Goo B Gone to remove sticky stuff. I clean the needle several times while stitch as even a little build up seems to make my machine crazy. I put a drop of it on a Qtip and wipe the needle down with it while still in the machine. I make sure there is no thread in the needle and place something under the needle in case you drop the Qtip. I wipe the needle down with a kleenex afterwards to make sure it is nice and clean.

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by pldc 06 Oct 2015

Penny thanks this is also a good tip. I am surprised @ how many different ways there are to clean a needle. Very creative bunch of cuties here for sure! I am so glad that I asked this question, ~hugs~

thank you cuties some very innovative ideas here & I have to say while I didn't have any of the ingredients here except polish remover (smells to strong) so I decided to try a Lysol wipe & I had to go over a couple times & I have to say it works really well. I took the magnifying glass to double check if I had left any goo on it & nope it is quite clean & Bright too. So I will do my best to remember this tip the next time. I am not a fan of using sticky back but I didn't know another way to do the felt designs without it. Now I know I could use a glue stick on regular tearaway a good idea. ~hugs to you all ~

I buy the little alcohol pads that are individually wrapped in foil packs--I leave the needle in and just wipe the outside and sort of JAB the needle through the wipe a few times--this takes the sticky off fairly well---just watch your needle--you should be able to see the gummy white stuff building up and clumping on the needle----then just wipe it with the alcohol wipe and it should be good for a while-----just try to put something UNDER the needle so that if any alcohol drops off it will NOT go down IN the machine---I don't know if it would cause any damage but it is better to cover it and not take the chance---that works well for me----one of my machines gums up with one 4x4 design--my 5x7 SELDOM gums up---so just try and see what works!!!!! Be sure to let us know what works for you and what does NOT work----if all fails CHANGE THE NEEDLE---good luck and God bless you.

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by pldc 06 Oct 2015

really good information thank you, ~hugs~

If it's dull, try a few swipes with the white side of an emery board or put it in and out of the sand in the strawberry of your pincushion to sharpen.

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by pldc 06 Oct 2015

a good idea thanks Betsy, ~hugs~

Well, I rarely use Sticky back Stabilizer...I find that the Elmers School Glue Sticks work splendidly for holding felt pieces, applique pieces, etc...and it is totally water soluble....doesn't take much and doesn't muck up the needles either...it is the purple one that kids use all the time...it is my go to for sticking smaller pieces of stabilizer together to fit my hoops too...

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by noah 05 Oct 2015

i use that also lol hugs

by pldc 06 Oct 2015

oh wow Kim I had no idea & I have that glue stick too. It's purple. I will give that a try next time too Thanks ~hugs~

I cleaned some with nail polish remover then dried them ,worked well my friend used lighter fluid ,now i use that for anything gummy just dump it on roll with your finger and walla gone****i use it to take labels off jars oh it works so fine hugs

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by bielie 05 Oct 2015

I also use nail polish remover, it works well.

by pldc 06 Oct 2015

both are new ideas to me, thanks Ladies ~hugs~

I clean mine with method and then rinse and wipe dry. Hope this helps you. I try not to use sticky backing unless i really have to. Sandra.

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by pldc 05 Oct 2015

what is method? some type of cleaner? I try not to use it either but I needed it to hold the felt pieces. I could not think of another way?

I wipe mine off with alcohol..

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by pldc 05 Oct 2015

ok thank you I will give it a try. I was wondering if they could be cleaned, so thanks ~hugs~

by lbrow 05 Oct 2015

I never use it anymore, but have in past and used WD 40' something in a spray can that stops sticking doors and other things. Was in hubbys tool box. LOL Too late I thought of polish remover. Should have tried that first./ Lillian

Most of the time I start with a new needle. You could take it out from your machine and clean it. Usually just wiping them works.

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by pldc 05 Oct 2015

do you wipe them with anything in particular? polish remover or rubbing alcohol or some such thing?

by shilly 05 Oct 2015

Hi, I just use my clear sewing machine oil and its good to go....