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I changed a needle and now it's not sewing properly. Whats wrong?
It's very important that you install a new needle with correct orientation of the eye, to ensure proper sewing. The groove that runs the length of the lower portion of the needle must be in the front, while the cut-out section (scarf) is at the rear. Failure to achieve proper needle orientation can affect the timing process which is the basis for forming stitches.

To simplify this critical process, try using a set of needle grippers (part # 10300 or 103001), also known as hemostats, available from our Online Store.

Hemostats were originally designed for Medical use. They allow a Doctor to grip the thread of a suture and pull it through, when stitching a wound. As an Embroiderer you can use hemostats to assist with a different stitch related process: changing a needle.

Hemostats, or needle grippers, allow you to clamp the needle tightly and then easily move it into position. The key is to align the front eye of the needle with the handles of the hemostats. This will allow you to know where the eye is without even seeing it. Simply push the needle up into the needle bar and then move the handles of the hemostat so that they are facing straight out. Now tighten down the screw and then release the hemostats. You're done and the needle is straight!