Fraying or shredding thread can be a symptom of a dull needle. Needles should be very sharp (not ever ball point for embroidery) embroidery needles, because they will poke a very clean hole in the material for the thread to go through. If the needle is dull, the hole won't be as clean, and the thread may start to shred on the more jagged edges of the hole. That's not to say you couldn't have a bad spool of thread. I have a particular color of Floriani that I need to use up on something because it drives me crazy with shredding. But it's just that spool, and it doesn't matter what I do. If threads that weren't giving you trouble before are now shredding, it may well be your needle. I like the titanium ones by Organ, they last a long time. Oh, also, if you're doing things on card stock, save a special needle for that. Paper will dull a needle, but I've found they don't need to be super sharp for card stock, it's the shank that makes the hole. Hope this helps, and that you get a lot more good information here!! Hugs, Marji

good question and a good answer too.

It depends, I usually replace my needle if I do an embroidery with a lot of stitches, say 40 to 75,000. I have found I have a lot less thread fraying & breakage. A lot will depend on the fabric also . I will change after after a lot fewer stitches if I have been using heavy fabric. Needle problems usually show up first with thread problems. *

If the needle is dull you may also hear a popping type sound as the needle goes up and down through the fabric.

I was taught change needle after 8 hours of sewing with it...but gotta say I don't. But if you do, you really do notice the better result...with new needles changed often....

waterlily, I find that on my machine, when the needle needs changing, the needle going in and out just seems to make a more solid sound, usually this happens before the thread shreds, which saves me having to rethread and backtrack. Love and hugs sweetie and hope all the help here solves your problem.

all go info thanks.........*4u all

When I have a problem whith my embroidery, it know now that it seems to be without reason, i must change the needle. And when the needle is dull there is a bad noise, usual at each stitch.

thanks for all the info I could read in the answers. I only changed the needle if it broke or was dull, or the embroidery did not look nice.or my threads break each time.

Wow, Cuties never cease to amaze me! I am continually learning things I didn't know. Thank you Waterlily for such a great question, as a newbie I applaud you!

Thank you for that interesting question

Hi Colleen, I for one use a new needle every time I start a new project, and I only use SCHMETZ needles.

I notice Marji says she likes the Titanium ones by Organ - I haven't heard of that brand over here in Australia, but they sound great.

Some great answers here so I'll give you a flower.

Love and blessings Chris

I change needles when they bend, break or dull most definitely. I also will change the needle if my thread is snagging or the stitches look badly. I buy my needles from allstitch.com (sewing/embroidery) and allbrands.com (serger).

You shouldn't use a needle too long. If you are doing small designs, try changing after about 20 of them or less.

Colleen, looks like you have all points of view on this - so I will just add a flower for you. (I change my needle about every 8 hours of stitching, too)

See you got alot of great tips and advise - *4u and all the others that answered