Found a great way to break needles. I have been given a lot of Zips and I am trying to make Sue's Owl purse. They are maybe 2mm too small. If I don't get them just right - Bang goes a needle. Luckily they (needles) are old ones too blunt for lace.

Hi Lyn, I see "Olds" has mentioned what I wanted to say - only use nylon zippers and longer than the width of your fabric. That way the needle won't break going across the zipper. Good luck with any more of them. I also bought a bag of assorted zips from the Op Shop and some are metal, if i do use them, I'll hand rotate the wheel to go over them
s l o w l y!!! Love and blessings Chris

I've been wondering what to do with all my older needles! Now I know!

If you have nylon zippers use them.

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by mi30kaja 12 Mar 2012

I was given a bunch of brown zippers and they all have nylon teeth but metal stops and latch.

Please be careful of breaking needles. You could encounted a lot of damage to your machine and to yourself!!!!

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by mi30kaja 12 Mar 2012

Luckily 2 of the 3 bent and my safety mode kicked in, which meant the needle was in one piece and still attached to machine

I'll have to remember this if I ever want to get rid of old needles, lol. Careful with those things dear, they can be dangerous!

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by mi30kaja 12 Mar 2012

I collect my old needles in one section of my machine. Just the idea for this job.

Oh dear! Watch out for that flying shrapnel! LOL, I don't need a zipper to break needles, btw! I hope things improve for you! Hugs and *, Deb

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by mi30kaja 12 Mar 2012

I am more careful now. I guide the machine by hand past the metal parts just in case.

Ouch! You do need a zip a bit longer than you think.

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by mi30kaja 12 Mar 2012

Yes I did know but what would I do with all of these free zippers that were given to me. I have already given away more than half of them

Be careful breaking needles on the embroidery machine...A needle broke on mine...with me right there..it threw out the timing I thought..but the repair gal say IT BENT THE NEEDLE SHAFT.!! also pitted the throat plate . I 've been with out my machine a week now.. hope warrenty will fix it. Please check your plate for burrs... this can catch you thread and break it. Not funny at the time but I was writing the words :Of course I'm not busy...I did it right the first time". RGB

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by mi30kaja 12 Mar 2012

I am more careful now and guide the machine slowly past the metal parts of the Zipper.