When the needle of your Tufting Machine is bent, worn out, or broken, the device becomes unusable. In this guide, you’ll find a practical way to recognize when it’s time to change the needle and replace it step by step safely. You’ll also find a demo video that shows the key steps and useful links to Kreoho spare parts and accessories.
Table of Contents
- When should the needle be replaced?
- Tools and workspace preparation
- Replacing the needle: step-by-step procedure
- Watch the video tutorial
- Adjustment tips and final test
- Useful resources and next tutorials
- FAQ
When should the needle be replaced?
The inspiration for this article came from a real episode: during a work session, our Tufting Machine slipped from our hand and hit the floor. The impact broke the needle tip, making it impossible to continue working. From that small mishap came the idea to share this experience with the community, so that anyone in the same situation knows how to act without fear.
What are the typical signs that indicate the need for replacement?
- Bent or damaged tip: the needle doesn’t enter the fabric cleanly, leaves irregular holes, or drags the yarn.
- Skipped stitches: the yarn is not laid continuously even if the tension is correct.
- Unusual noises or vibrations around the needle/thread guide area.
- Fraying yarn or yarn breaking more frequently than usual.
Tools and workspace preparation
Before starting, prepare a tidy and stable workstation. Recommended tools:
- Allen keys (standard sizes for your machine)
- Screwdriver flat or crosshead (depending on your model’s screws)
- Tweezers or small needle-nose pliers
- Soft cloth and small brush for local cleaning
- Drop of light oil for mechanical parts (if suggested by the manual)
- Replacement needle compatible with your model
Safety first: unplug the machine and wait until all moving parts stop completely before intervening.
Replacing the needle: step-by-step procedure
The replacement procedure requires attention and precision. Follow these steps in the correct order to remove the damaged needle and install the new one.
1) Remove the front block
Unscrew the four front screws that hold together the front and rear supports of the spacer with the movable handle. Keep the screws in a safe place so as not to lose them.
2) Separate the movable handle
Gently slide the front handle section forward and separate it from the rest of the device. On the top, you’ll find an 8 mm nut fixed on the connecting rod (the same one that holds the thread eyelet).
3) Disconnect the upper connecting rod
Loosen the nut slowly to free the needle section from the upper connecting rod and create the space needed to work.
4) Access the needle holder
You can now separate the needle holder section from the rest of the Tufting Machine. Use an Allen key to loosen only the front screw. We recommend loosening the screw only and not removing it, nor the square nut placed underneath it; you’ll understand why in the following steps!
5) Replace the damaged needle
Using a small screwdriver, remove the two small screws and their square nuts, placed respectively under and above the needle guide. Gently extract the damaged needle and replace it with the new one. Make sure it is straight and fully inserted.
6) Check the alignment
Before tightening, check that the needle is properly aligned with the screw holes.
7) Reassemble needle with guide
First, tighten only the two small screws at the bottom of the needle guide, just enough to hold the needle in place. Then proceed to tighten the two square nuts on the opposite side.
8) Pay attention to the needle hole regulator
The hole regulator is a key metal component and must be positioned correctly to ensure proper machine operation. That’s why in step 4 we suggested loosening the screw without removing it… to make this step easier. To position the regulator, screw and nut must not be fully tightened. Insert the back part of the regulator between guide and square nut, and only after this step, fully tighten the screw.
9) Reassembly and final tightening
Now proceed in reverse order. Reposition the needle holder, reconnect the rod, reassemble the movable handle, and tighten all screws evenly and gradually.
10) Final test
If you feel friction or resistance, stop immediately and adjust before continuing. Finally, switch the machine back on and test on a scrap fabric. The yarn should flow smoothly and evenly.
Watch the video
Watching the procedure up close helps fix the steps more clearly. Open the video from the thumbnail below for a clear view of the operations and key points.
Click on the image to watch the video on YouTube
Adjustment tips and final test
After reassembly, a few micro-adjustments make the difference:
- Needle hole: if too narrow, the yarn won’t pass; if too wide, the yarn may slip out while moving. Adjust with a screwdriver where required.
- Thread guide: make sure the yarn follows a clean path without sharp edges or friction.
- Test on sample: make short stitches on a fabric scrap, check regularity and tension, then gradually increase the working speed.
Useful resources and next tutorials
- Which accessories are needed for tufting?
- Which yarns to use for the tufting technique?
- Yarns, accessories and spare parts
Note: the scissor replacement will be covered in a dedicated tutorial blog post coming soon.
FAQ
Q: Can I use any compatible needle?
A: Always use needles specific to your machine. Check model and size to ensure smooth yarn flow and correct alignment.
Q: How often should the needle be changed?
A: It depends on usage intensity, yarn type, and fabric. At the first sign of bending/wear or if stitches frequently skip, replace it.
Q: Do I need to lubricate anything after changing the needle?
A: Only the mechanical points indicated in the manual. Avoid oiling the needle hole and electrical contacts.
