Does anyone else have trouble changing needles in their Embroidery Machines? I lost one down in the bobbin area today and could not get it out. Machine must have been feeling hungry LOL

I have done it and brought my machine immediately to be serviced just to find out that it dropped to the bottom of the casing and the tech would have removed it next time I had to bring the machine in for the yearly cleaning anyway. Just turn the wheel by hand. As long as it moves freely it should be alright. After that I always place a paper over the bobbin case.

Just turn it upside down and shake it my repair man does it all the time when i lose a screw lol

Gosh... I do feel sorry for you, you'll always be worried til you find it :(
some excellent advise here., I always worry too & have had a couple of close calls, but now I will also be putting fabric or paper to cover the possibilities.

I'm with some of the others...ALWAYS cover the plate when changing needles. A small piece of paper over the plate can save you several dollars in repair costs.

Thanks everyone. I never thought of covering the plate. I will def do that next time I change my needle. Even though I have never dropped one I have had a few close calls.

I have never had this happen to me. A lot of very good advice here. I have taken note. Sarah.

As athe other cutes have advised NEVER change the needle without covering the plate with paper or scrap of paper. I usually keep a scrap of white felt near for this. I, with help, turned my machine upside down and with a small shake the needle fell out when this happened to me long ago./Lillian

1 comment

by shirley124 11 Mar 2012

Will get my husband to help me do this

I use a dentist style mirror to see where the needle in my embroidery machine goes, and a pair of longish tweezers to hold the new needle.

Having read the other posts I will now place a peice of fabric over the bobbin area on my machine. Thank you to those cuties.

3 comments

by shirley124 11 Mar 2012

Good idea. Even just a mirror placed over the bobbin area would work.

by shirley124 12 Mar 2012

Tried the mirror trick today. Great idea
Thanks to all cuties for there input. Shirley

by rachap 12 Mar 2012

Sounds like a good idea, the mirror would probably come in handy when cleaning your machine, too.

I had this happen when I first got my machine. If you're strong enough you can try to turn it upside down and gentle shake it out - or - odds are it's lying quietly and when you get your machine cleaned the tec will find it. I use the scrap of fabric over the hole when I change my needle now. As long as we keep learning we get to keep living, sooooooooo

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by shirley124 11 Mar 2012

I have tried to get it out but could'nt. Tipped the machine sideways. Have done some embroidery since with my finger on the stop button just in case of any strange sounds.

When changing a needle, put a scrap piece of fabric over the bobbin area so it cannot fall down in. Saves aggravation. Nan W

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by rachap 12 Mar 2012

Never even thought about doing this thanks for the hint. Maybe you should send the idea in to one of the sites that rewards daily hints.

I use doctors forceps/hemostats to hold mine. You can buy them at fabric and craft shops now and they are truly an indispensable sewing item.

I have a manual threader that I bought from a Janome shop which also has a machine needle inserter at the other end. Might be a useful for you.

1 comment

by shirley124 11 Mar 2012

I was using a needle inserter and thought the needle was in and let go and the needle dropped down the hole. Will cover needle plate with paper from now on.