Why Does My Needle Keep Breaking When Free Motion Quilting?
If you've ever been free motion quilting and your needle keeps breaking, you’re probably wondering what on earth is going wrong. Don’t worry, you're not alone! This is a common issue, and the good news is, it’s an easy fix once you know what’s causing it.
Why Is Your Needle Breaking?
When you're free motion quilting, your machine is working at high speed in a concentrated area, repeatedly piercing through multiple layers of fabric and batting. This puts a lot of pressure on your needle, and if it's not strong enough, it simply won’t cope with the stress - it’ll snap (cue much drama and tears at bedtime).
How to Stop Your Needle from Breaking
The key to preventing broken needles is using the right needle for the job. Here’s what you need to do:
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Use a Heavy-Duty Needle
Standard sewing needles aren’t designed to withstand the pressure of free motion quilting. Instead, switch to an 80/12 or 90/14 needle - these are stronger and better suited for the task. -
Choose a Topstitch Needle
If you really want to avoid breakages, go for a topstitch needle. These are even sturdier, with a sharper, arrow-shaped tip that pierces through multiple layers with ease. They’re built to handle the pressure, reducing the risk of snapping mid-quilt. -
Consider Titanium Needles
If you want an extra level of durability, titanium-coated needles are an excellent choice. These are stronger than regular needles and last much longer, making them a great investment if you do a lot of quilting.
The Bottom Line
If your needle keeps breaking when you're free motion quilting, it’s probably because it’s not strong enough for the job. Swap it out for a topstitch needle in size 80/12 or 90/14, and you’ll be amazed at how much smoother your quilting experience becomes.
Give it a try and let me know how you get on.
Happy quilting!
Kim
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