Did you know that the most important thing you can do to ensure good quality stitches when you are free motion quilting is to have a perfect needle? Because there is no way to visually tell when a needle is damaged or worn out, it is recommended that you discard your needle after 4-6 hours of sewing. (For free motion quilting–I would err on the side of 4 hours.) A damaged needle will result in poor quality stitching and-worse yet-can damage your sewing machine. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your needle–it’s time!
Hope you have time to stitch today! (with a brand new needle)
Lori
Please join us this Friday for a group discussion about needle selection.