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From: brendalou
Date: 09-01-2003, 01:04 AM (1 of 9)
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Help!!?? I was sewing up a pair of boxers for my hubby. I notices on certain areas that the needle made a "thumpish" sound when penetrating the fabric. (using a size 14 though a medium weight knit). Does that mean the needle is too big or too small for the fabric weight? I've had this happen a couple of times working through two layers of denim also - that time I used a size 19. I presume it is the wrong size needle. Any suggestions?
==Brenda Lou
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User: brendalou
Member since: 10-07-2002 Total posts: 2 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-01-2003, 06:39 AM (2 of 9)
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It is either the wrong size or maybe dull.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 09-01-2003, 08:59 AM (3 of 9)
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Mary -- I get that sound sometimes when I know the needle is the right size. Maybe there are too many layers for the size. I never thought the needle was dull because I change them often. Maybe not often enough. I'll remember that. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: dmoses
Date: 09-01-2003, 09:24 AM (4 of 9)
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Brenda Lou, Does the stitching look okay in those areas of extra thickness? Sometimes, if the feed dogs are moving the fabric forward before the needle can get through it, the needle may bend slightly and not go smoothly into the bobbin. It could be slightly hitting against something to make the sound you're hearing. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: brendalou
Date: 09-01-2003, 12:43 PM (5 of 9)
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The stitching is fine nice and even, and the needles are new. I went back and looked at everything and I was using a universal needed instead of a ball point. I wonder if that was it?
==Brenda Lou
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User: brendalou
Member since: 10-07-2002 Total posts: 2 |
From: Sewhappie
Date: 09-05-2003, 05:51 PM (6 of 9)
| have you checked to make sure that you have not jerked your needle arm? Sometimes just trying to go through the fabric will cause enough pressure on the arm and force it out of wack. You might need to have a repairman check it to make sure it is ok. You might also need your timing tweaked. try adding more pressure to your foot if you are using heavier fabrics. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: Aimee S
Date: 09-05-2003, 06:55 PM (7 of 9)
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I would believe it to be a dull needle. I know when to change a needle by the different sounds it makes. Listen when a needle is new it does not make much noise but as it dulls it makes a noise like tearing the fabric instead of pushing the fabric. In machine embroidery so like that the thread breaks. I can tell by the different sound it makes piercing the fabric. Another option is that if it is through a thick spot the fabric might be pushing the needle and slightly bending it and it is hitting the needle plate. Check for scaring on the needle plate where the needle goes down to the bobbin. The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!
http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29 |
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 488 
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 09-07-2003, 09:06 AM (8 of 9)
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after 15 years on industrial machines, it still sounds to me likek your have either bent the needle arm which is not letting up the needle line up correctly or your have shiffted your face place and it is dead heading the needle when it strikes through the fabric. Then you could have a burr on the plate that needs to be addressed with some emery cloth. Keep trying and keep in touch. |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: brendalou
Date: 09-07-2003, 05:08 PM (9 of 9)
I changed the needle to a sharp, size 16 and increased the presser foot pressure. Stopped making the noise. So, it was one of the three that fixed it, should have just tried one at a time, go figure. 
==Brenda Lou
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User: brendalou
Member since: 10-07-2002 Total posts: 2 |
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