It’s easy to forget about sewing needles and other sewing tools after they’ve been forgotten in a box or drawer. Fortunately, sharpening a sewing needle isn’t difficult. Using a whetstone to turn the needle back and forth will finally produce a sharp enough point to pierce the fabric. Knowing how to sharpen a sewing needle will help you get the correct needle for your project while also saving money over the long term.
Whatever sewing project you’re working on, you’ll always require a needle to puncture the fabric. Straight and curved needles are the two most prevalent types of needles. Straight needles are easier to handle than curved needles, which have sharper points. You can hone this simple instrument to razor-sharp perfection with the correct equipment and a little effort.
How to Sharpen a Sewing Needle – Sharpening Techniques
These needle-sharpening techniques should get you started. I tried to include a variety of simple techniques to sharpen your needles. Here’s a basic outline of these methods.
Method 1: Using an Emery Board, Polish the Needle
An emery board is a hard material that has been covered in emery or emery paper. The harsh properties of this item, which are commonly used for buffing fingernails, can also be utilized to sharpen sewing needles. And, most of all, it’s easily accessible in most households.
- To lubricate the emery board, apply a drop of sewing machine oil.
- Hold the dull sewing needle between your fingers while using the emery board on a flat surface.
- To see if you can comfortably twist the needle, run it across the grit of the emery board.
- Apply some pressure while twisting the needle to ensure that it is sharpened uniformly.
Method 2: In an Emery Cushion, Place the Needle
When looking for ways to sharpen a sewing needle, you’re likely to come across suggestions to use a strawberry. They’re talking about a strawberry cushion packed with emery sand, not the fruit. If you don’t have an emery board, this substance can be used to sharpen your sewing machine needle.
- To keep the emery cushion steady, place it on a flat surface.
- Place the blunt needle into the cushion and flip it a few times.
Remove the needle and check it for sharpness.
Method 3: Using Soap, Clean the Needle
After using an emery board or a cushion to remove the scratches, you can sharpen the sewing needle even more. To do so, polish the needle with a bar of soap to make it smooth. In addition, the soap should lubricate the needle and restore its shine, making it appear brand new.
- On a flat surface, place a bar of soap.
- Insert the sharpened sewing needle several times into the soap.
- When it transfers to the cloth, the soap residue is washable, so don’t worry about it.
Method 4: Sandpaper
If you don’t have an emery board, you can sharpen a sewing needle with sandpaper instead. When scratching the needle with 800 grit sandpaper, you will achieve the required outcome. Any undesirable finish or corrosion on the tip will be removed. Sandpaper with higher grit crystals is recommended for thicker needles.
Method 5: As a Pin Cushion, Use Steel Wool
Steel wool is widely used to polish the surface of certain metals. Because needles are composed of metal, the steel wool should easily smooth out the needle. You don’t need to keep your needle in the steel wool; simply push and draw it a few times to sharpen it.
Method 6: A Tiny Portion of Coconut Oil
Even regular cooking oil will help with the process. Simply put the needle’s tip in the oil and rub it against foil paper. After a few repetitions, simply wipe the needle clean with a clean cloth.
Method 7: Nail files
At home, you may easily find a nail filer. Every regular filer comes with an emery board. When rubbing the needle’s tip, it will be smooth. Make sure the needle’s entire surface is soft.
Method 8: Toothpaste
On a piece of cloth, apply toothpaste or any other surface brightening paste. Rub it several times backward over the dull needle. By applying some force with your fingertips, turn it on all sides of the needle. The paste’s grit will turn black over time.
Method 9: Wash
The job isn’t finished after polishing or filing. Remember to properly clean the needle with soap and water. This cleaning procedure is required to ensure that the needle is as sharp as fresh. Later, use a clean towel or cotton cloth to wipe it down.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
1. Can sewing machine needles be sharpened?
Ans: Metal needles for sewing machines can be sharpened at any time. Use the strawberry emery cloth that comes with the tomato pin cushion to sharpen your sewing machine needles. Do not try to sharpen the needle if it is already bent.
2. What are the ways of taking care of embroidery needles and pins?
Before you use your needles, put them through your emery cushion several times to maintain them sharp and shining. This will sharpen the needle as well as remove any rust specks, micro burrs, or oil that may have accumulated on it. Then all you have to do is wipe it down with a clean cloth. Any remaining emery powder will be removed in this manner.
3. How do you keep sewing needles from rusting?
Sewing needles can get rusted and dull over time. Using an abrasive soap pad or steel wool, remove any rust. Before storing a needle in a pincushion, leave a length of thread in it. It will be easier to see, and the needle will be less likely to slip inside the pincushion.
4. How do you clean a used syringe?
Ans: Fill a cup, cap, or whatever else only you will use with undiluted (full-strength, no water added) bleach. Draw the bleach up through the needle to the top of the syringe to fill it. Tap it and shake it around. Allow at least 30 seconds for the bleach to dissolve in the syringe.
Last words
Sharpening sewing machine needles isn’t a terrible thing, despite what some people believe. By following the basic methods stated above, you can save a little money and increase the life of your needles. The main thing to look for is whether or not your needle is bent. If it is, the ump of it and replace it with a new one.
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