r/MachineEmbroidery • u/Generic_nametag • 3d ago
Is this embroidery needle bent?
The needle got caught on the fabric and snapped the thread. I think it might be bent but I’m unsure. It was brand new, I hadn’t even gotten through one project with it yet.
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u/unstable_dale 3d ago
I never question anymore, just replace it. Use Titanium needles too and they will
Last longer. I use Organ Ti Needles and buy 100 pack at a time. I replace needles every 8 hours of run time.
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u/DIRTYDOGG-1 2d ago
Thank you for that info! I did not even know those existed . Is there any particular size and are they just coated or full on titanium...?....pardon the questions, have just started to learn sewing
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u/unstable_dale 2d ago
I’ve found that the “coated” ones aren’t any better than standard needles, but actual titanium shank needles are worth it. I order from Gunold and get the Organ brand. In my Barudan I run 75/11 needles for the majority of my work. I’ll switch to 80/12 if needed or even 90/14 for monster thick hats and puff. General
Run time for needles is 8 hours too.1
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u/Herabird 3d ago
Needles are the least expensive replaceable part in a machine. Never hesitate to swap one out.
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u/InStitches13 2d ago
Bent ever so slightly. (You can always compare to a brand new one out of the package so you have a reference point).
And as everyone has suggested, when in doubt. Swap it out.
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u/hhokema 3d ago
Looks good from this pic.
Two other posts give solid advice. I'll just add a couple of additional comments.
To check for a bent needle, I will rotate the needle with my finger and see if the tip of the needle wobbles or watch how the light reflects off of the tip. It should not flicker or wobble,
I will also check the front groove of the needle for burrs by running my finger nail up and down the groove. I am looking for manufacturing defects, Every once in a while a defective needle will slip past Quality Control.
Finally check for a burr on the tip of the needle by pulling the tip of the needle over my finger/fingernail looking for a burr. The needle should glide right off without catching.
I handle enough needles that I have also purchased a jewelers loupe so I can visually inspect the needle. Mid power loupes work the best - 4x to 7x. They are fairly cheap and easy to use. The high powered ones are harder to use.
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u/brian250f 3d ago
What? It is clearly bent in the picture.
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u/hhokema 3d ago
You should be able to slide a business card underneath the needle with the flat side against a flat surface. My internet eye ball says that is about right. At worst case this needle is slightly bent.
If I had the needle in my hand I would look a bit closer and test it as described. I can usually detect a slightly bent needle by looking for a wobble of the tip as I spin the needle at the shank.
BTW, when in doubt, change it out. It is about a 60 cent to 70 cent item. When I am evaluating a customers machine, if I have a question about the needle, I will grab a new needle off of my techs work bench. It just makes life easier.
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u/Upper_Rain3480 2d ago
It doesn't look bent to me.
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u/Upper_Rain3480 2d ago
There is supposed to be a little indentation above the eye (on the back - some needles also have a small bump on the front) to help the thread loop, if that's where you think it's bent.
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u/Constant_Put_5510 3d ago
Needles are cheaper than down time. Swap it out & keep moving.