Stitches

Trouble with sewing machine?

I crocheted a purse today, and I'm trying to use my sewing machine to add in a liner and pocket to the purse. I broke a needle already, and I was hoping someone could tell me if you need a special needle for the sewing machine when working with wool. Any insight would be helpful. Thanks

Public Comments

1. I believe it's not so much the material type as the thickness of the material that matters. It is best if you buy a pack of needles that contains different sizes. A thicker needle would be better since you are likely to go through several layers of wool yarn and material, but you don't need anything that isn't readily available at say walmart or a craft store. I think a size 14 would be fine. Pulling the material too tight while sewing can also break a needle, as can having the tension too high. Sometimes a knot can form in the thread and loop around the needle, breaking it. needles lso become dull and can break or mess up your fabric. more information is at http://www.allfreecrafts.com/sewing/needle.shtml good luck!
2. No, you don't need a special type of needle for working with wool. A #12 or 14 Universal point needle should do what you need.
3. No special needle. You may have just hit a thick spot and the presser foot flipped up and was hit by the needle or the needle bent and hit the throat plate. Use a size 14 sharp and slowly stitch, "hand-walk" (turn the hand wheel and do not use the foot pedal to maneuver the stitching) as needed. It may be better to make the liner and pocket and then whip stitch the liner to the purse by hand.