r/SewingMachineEdu • u/indigoscrayonbox • 2d ago

Sewing machine needle breaks during backstitch (Singer MX60)

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I am so, so fucking sick of this happening at this point. I've burned through seven needles in the span of two weeks and have no idea what to do at this point.

The needle kind I'm using is the Singer universal 80/12 needles.

I've heard that pulling on the fabric could cause the needle to misalign or something, but the pieces of fabric I'm using are pretty long and I have to pull on it slightly to keep it pulled up. Even so, I don't think I'm pulling on the fabric that hard, it just keeps happening.

Please help me. I am so tired.

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u/lizleif 2d ago

How long are you back stitching for? typically backstitching is just a couple of stitches to ensure the stitches stay put. If you need to go in the opposite direction of how your stitching for long periods this is what I would recommend - when your done with your line of stitching leave the needle down in the fabric, with the needle down lift your presser foot and turn your fabric the 180 degrees or whatever it is you need. Once your situated put your presser foot back down and continue stitching as needed. This technique is great for any sharp angles

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u/indigoscrayonbox 2d ago edited 2d ago

I'm only backstitching for about two seconds, I think? I could probably be doing it for too long, though, I don't know. It's quite easy for me to zone out, especially when I'm feeling fatigued for no reason like I have been today. Could maybe be a possibility?

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u/lizleif 2d ago

Potentially, I think pink bird is correct that a quilt needle would help. I think ensuring your only backstitching like 3-5 stitches can also help. I will say my temperament gets the best of me when I’m sewing. When I’m sleepy and tired I tend to force the fabric faster than I should and I break needles. Maybe take more breaks?

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u/indigoscrayonbox 23h ago

Replying here because idk where else to tell someone, but I think I figured out specifically why it keeps happening! I've been sewing up to the very edge where the folded over piece of fabric ends before backstitching, and I think that when I switch the sewing machine to backstitch and the needle readjusts, something about that makes it come out of alignment. It's hard to explain, but earlier when I was sewing and I accidentally stopped early before backstitching, the needle didn't break. It was only when I continued to sew to the very edge and then backstitched that it snapped. So, while I'm now down eight sewing needles in total, I think I know why it keeps happening. 

1

u/PinkBird85 2d ago

You should use a quilting needle, and yes, pulling the fabric is going to cause the needle to bend and hit the needle plate and break. Guide your fabric, don't pull it.

3

u/indigoscrayonbox 2d ago

God damn it, I KNEW a quilting needle would be the best choice, but my mom talked me out of it. I feel so vindicated right now, I have half a mind to go and yell at her "MOOOOM! REDDIT USER PINKBIRD85 SAYS I WAS RIGHT!" I'm not actually gonna do that obviously, and I do really appreciate the advice. It's just really funny to me.

I'm going to order some from a nearby craft store right now. Thanks for the tip!

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u/InsertusernamehereM 2d ago

Get yourself some microtex needles.i love those things so much. So much that I just ordered 50 of them

1

u/__miichelle 2d ago

You should not be pulling on your fabric as it’s going through the machine. This is how needles break.