A hint for threading your needle...

Before threading your needle,

use your finger to wet the back of the needle's eye.

This moisture should wick your thread

right on through the eye.

**Note: I'd love to give credit to the person who first wrote this tip, but I don't remember where I found it!**

My 3 Rules About Sewing Machine Needles

Ever find your tension is off or that your machine is skipping stitches? It's time to check out that sewing machine needle! Here are 3 rules to remember:

Rule 1: Change your Sewing Machine Needle frequently!
Needles will dull. Period. I recommend buying them by the handful when your local stores run notions on a 50% off sale. By stocking up, you'll be ready to use a new needle with every new project.

Also, check your needle frequently for burrs and blunt tips. These will cause snags in your fabric.
Rule 2: Pick the right needle for the right fabric.
Generally, you'll need a size 11 or 14. However, there are a few things to remember.

Rule 2.1: The thicker the fabric, the bigger the needle, bigger the needle size. Most manuals have a table listing the size needle that you need for certain fabrics. Here are some basics:

• Use a size 9 for Very Lightweight Fabrics, like Chiffon, Lace, Organdy, or
  Tulle.
• Use a size 11 or 12 for Lightweight Fabrics like Chambray,
  Gingham,Satin, Lawn, Single Knits, Jersey,Thin Leather, or Suede.
• Use a size 14 for Medium-weight Fabrics like most of your quilting cottons
  or Flannel, Velour, Broadcloth, Linen, Velvet, Double Knits, Vinyl, or some
  Leathers or Suede.
• Use a size 16 for Heavy-weight Fabrics including Denim, Sailcloth, Fake
  Fur, and thick Leathers.
• Use a size 18 for Very Heavy Fabrics like Canvas, Duck and some Upholstery
  fabrics.

Rule 2.2: Pick the right type of needle for the fabric. Basically:

• Woven fabric: Universal needles or Sharps
• Knits: Ball-point needles
• Leathers: Wedge-point needles (AKA leather needles)
• Most topstitching: Topstitching needles

Rule 3: Make sure your needle is inserted properly.

Any questions, refer to your sewing machine manual.