1. If the machine is not sewing properly, 99% of the time it's either the fault of the thread I am using, or the needle.
2. To always use good quality thread in my new sewing machine. I found out that sewing with poor quality thread results in uneven and puckered stitching. (I bought 12 new rolls of top quality thread from ebay, and my machine sighed with relief - it did, honestly!)
3. Use the correct needle for the job when it's needed. Ball points for knits, jeans needles for denim etc. But at the same time have lots of universal needles in different sizes on hand because they really do sew most things.
4. Blu-tak the needle container to the side of the machine so I remember which needle is in use, and I can pop it back in the right place to re-use if it still has some life left.
5. That sewing machine needles have a life of about 8 to 9 sewing hours. And that they are designed to bend or break when put under stress, so that the machine is not damaged. If you suspect the needle is old, your machine is skipping stitches or when you start to hear that popping sound - it's time to change the needle. (Skipped stitches could be a sign of wrong type of needle too ie. to sew knits you need a ball point or stretch needle - a universal needle will skip stitches on these fabrics.)
6. That it is okay to use polyester thread for piecing if it works best for this project, or universal needles for quilting if that's the needle on the machine. I do whatever works best, there are no hard and fast rules.
