Do any of these problems sound familiar: thread breaks, skipped stitches, bunched fabric? You may be cursing your own lack of skill, but the problem is more likely to be your sewing machine needle.

A good rule of thumb is to start every new project with a new needle. And, like your car's oil change requirements, you should also change out your needle if you've sewn for more than about eight hours.

Beyond that, try these needle troubleshooting tips:

1. Make sure you are using the correct needle style and size for your fabric. Take a look at our article on Selecting the Right Needle for the Job.
   
2. Your needle could be damaged, but it can be very hard to see. Remove the needle and inspect it in a bright light or under a magnifying glass. If it's bent or nicked, throw it out and put in a new one.
   
3. Be sure your needle is inserted correctly into your machine. When you look at the top of a needle, you'll notice one side is rounded and the other side is flat. In 90% of today's machines, the flat side faces the back – the rounded side faces you. Check your machine's manual to be sure. Slide the needle all the way up and in and tighten it securely.
   

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