mommamia Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 Each time I change the needle on my Millennium it takes 30-45 minutes to get it straight enough so the thread doesn't break & I can get to quilting. A lady from our guild found a gadget at a quilt show (a small magnet-type thingy) that she says works really slick for this. However, she doesn't remember where she got it or even what the name of the gizmo is. Does anyone out there have any information on this for me? thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 Haven't a clue what she has, but the trick for me is to stick a pin into the eye as you are inserting it into the needle bar. As you hold the needle up into the bar with the pin you are adjusting it to where you need it to set....mine is set so the eye is slightly turned. And then with the other hand I tighten the needle bar screw. It shouldn't take you more than maybe 3 minutes to change a needle... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BethDurand Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 I'm with Bonnie. The only thing that I would add is to change the needle set screw so that the screwdriver is in your dominant hand. Being right handed, it made such a difference when I put the screw on the right side of the needle bar. Also, use a screwdriver with a longer handle so that you can tighten it up. My initial mind set was little tiny screw, therefore small screwdriver. Those 2 changes have really sped things up for me. I also set my needle eye with a pin so that the eye of the needle is turned slightly to my left. If you think of the front of the needle as being like a clock face, where straight on would be 6 o'clock, mine is set for about 6:35. Just slightly towards the left. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hollyc Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 I'm with Bonnie, stick a needle in the eye, works fast and holds it in place as you tighten the screw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hollyrw Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 Originally posted by BethDurand I'm with Bonnie. The only thing that I would add is to change the needle set screw so that the screwdriver is in your dominant hand. Being right handed, it made such a difference when I put the screw on the right side of the needle bar. Also, use a screwdriver with a longer handle so that you can tighten it up. My initial mind set was little tiny screw, therefore small screwdriver. Those 2 changes have really sped things up for me. I also set my needle eye with a pin so that the eye of the needle is turned slightly to my left. If you think of the front of the needle as being like a clock face, where straight on would be 6 o'clock, mine is set for about 6:35. Just slightly towards the left. OMG, I didn't know you could do that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PamelaA Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 Wow Beth, I never even thought that was an option. Thanks Pamela Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustSewSimple Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 My Lenni makes stinky stitches at 6:35. Mine has to be set at 6:25. I do use the pin trick (learned it here on the forum) but I always have to re-train to remember which is the front of the needed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TracyeQ Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 Ditto the pin trick...someone posted about using a toothpick so as not to cause a dent in the needle but the pick broke So it's back to a pin for me. Just to reiterate how different all machines are I've played w/the eye position and my baby likes it directly at 6 o'clock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeke Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 Wow! Looks like everyone is using the pin trick. Myself, I use my thumb nail to set my needle. Seems to work every time and I set mine at 6 o'clock on both my machines. In fact, I have been setting needles at 6 o'clock since I started timing machines. I've only found a few that need to be set otherwise. Regards, zeke............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandra Darlington Posted May 16, 2009 Report Share Posted May 16, 2009 I also use the pin trick and my Liberty seems to prefer 5:25. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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