When do you change your sewing needle?

I changed my needle for the first time in I can't remember how long last night. But it was only because the needle that was in the machine bent. I guess I should change it more often!

I change my needle every 6 - 8 hours of sewing.  Sometimes you can hear a popping noise as the needle goes into the fabric and that a sure sign to change.

I changed my needle for the first time a couple of weeks ago (I don't sew a huge amount, but the needle broke so I had to) Since changing the needle I realised how great a sharp needle is! Last night the machine started to make a noise like it was starting to have a hard time of things - so I figure that's the sign to change the needle again! who would've thought they could get that blunt?!

Now I know what to do, and how much nicer it is to sew with a new sharp needle, I'll be taking my cue from the noises the machine makes...

i was JUST thinking if i needed to do this soon, so this is very helpful!  i've been super busy making my baby's bedding and well, after four majors projects i know it's about time i changed it!

thanks for the wonderful information! 

Gosh, I never knew!  I'd been replacing mine when sewing denim, then changing it back.  But I never had a set "schedule".  What a great bunch of tips!
I'm adding more needles to my shopping list!

It is difficult to remember to change machine needles.  I try to do it after sewing a quilt or after 4 or 5 smaller projects.

Looks like I need to change my needle more often. I gave up on a project last night for awhile because I thought the machine was "being difficult" but I have a feeling a needle change will solve all of my problems!

Great advice!

That's what I do too, especially number one. It just doesn't sound the same!

It depends upon the projects I have been doing.  If it has been a project that I have sewn a lot, I will change it before the next project.  If it has just been a small project, I try to take note, and will change it after a few projects, but before I take on another large one.

I change my needle every couple projects or 8 hours of sewing.  My manual says to change with EVERY new project but I don't.

I had everything happen today that kariko had listed.  Thanks!

Sara

ps I also had the needle in the wrong way but it is 11:30pm you know...

I'm so glad that I found this thread, I am new to sewing and was just wondering the same thing!  Thank you for all of the helpful information.

I also agree with the previous threads on changing with each project. However, with woven fabrics and small projects I don't change each time.

I used to use them for a really long time until I started noticing that the longer I used them the more snags and sewing headaches I would get. Now I change them after every project.

Seems like every project is a lot to me. That's a lot of needles. 

I probably should change mine though. Haha I don't think I ever changed it on my old machine.