How do I insert the needle - Janome 8080 Computerized Sewing Machine

1. Check the needle thread tension. If the tension is too tight, the needle will not be able to move up or down. To adjust the tension, turn the tension knob on the side of the machine. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the tension, and counterclockwise to decrease the tension.
2. Check the needle. Make sure that the needle is inserted correctly into the needle bar. The needle should be inserted all the way up to the flat spot on the needle bar. If the needle is not inserted correctly, it will not be able to move up or down.

For most sewing machines, insert the needle so that the slot in the needle is facing the thread. (The needle should be sized so that the thread fits nicely in the slot. The thread shouldn't be too thick or thin, compared to the slot.) Thus for most standard machines, the slot will be facing forward and the flat side at the top of the needle will be to the back. On some machines, the needle is inserted sideways relative to the machine. On those, the slot usually faces out and the flat side will face the motor section of the machine.

Always insert the needle fully into the needle holder before tightening the screw that holds the needle. See the pictures here, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewing_machine_needle , for a clear idea of design of the standard machine needle.

Please add a comment with the sewing machine make and model for extra help correctly inserting the needle. On some machines, a needle insertion tool is an included accessory. This helps you keep the needle stable while you push it into position. If you don't have this, consider threading the needle first (with the thread along the slot and then going through the eye). This will help avoid the needle dropping too far into the opening in the face plate. Alternatively, cover the face plate.

Cindy Wells

CHECK THESE FIRST::
NEW NEEDLE.
MAKE SURE NEEDLE IS INSERTED THE RIGHT DIRECTION. LOOK AT YOUR INSTRUCTION BOOK.
MAKE SURE INSERTED IS TOTALLY INSERTED.
CHECK TO SEE IF THE BOBBIN THREAD IS STUCK. ALSO, ENOUGH LENGTH OF BOBBIN LENGTH EXTENDED TO ALLOW THE NEEDLE TO PULL IT UPWARDS.
MAKE SURE THE BOBBIN THREAD IS INSERTED THE RIGHT DIRECTION AND SET WITH CORRECT TENSION.
CHECK TOP NEEDLE TENSION TO INSURE THERE IS TENSION ENOUGH TO PULL THE BOBBIN THREAD ABOVE THE THROAT.
IF THESE DON'T WORK YOU MAY NEED TO GO TO YOUR LOCAL REPLAIRMAN.

Skipped stitches
1. A bent or dull needle
2. The wrong needle for your fabric
knit fabrics require a jersey or ballpoint tip. Most wovens do well with a universal tip, and specialty fibers, like leather or metallic, usually require specific needles.
3. Incorrect machine threading
4. Unbalanced needle thread tension
Start by making relatively small changes and run a test stitch to evaluate the impact. If you need to adjust the tension dial using woven cotton fabric with good quality all-purpose thread and a new needle
5.check the needle is inserted correctly. The needle needs to be pushed as far up the needle shaft as possible. It's easy to insert the needle half way, clamp it down and think it is inserted correctly.
the flat part of the needle should be positioned towards the back. If the needle is not inserted correctly, it will not be able to pull up the bobbin thread and will cause skipped stitches.
6. If the suggestions don't help then it is time for a tune-up.

Take the screw out. Using onld needle, Clean out where the needle goes (old neede broke off up inside needle holder? )

adjust the top tension one letter or number at a time until the
stitch looks normal
change the needle
Correct needle insertion is mandatory for proper use of your sewing machine.
Raise the needle bar to the highest point, then loosen the needle clamp screw to remove the old needle.
Place the new needle in the needle clamp with the flat side of the needle facing the back, (round needle, the groove in the needle should face away from the shaft).
Push the needle all the way up as far as it will go. Then tighten the needle clamp screw.
make sure the bobbin is threaded correctly
make sure the bobbin is not warped
make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly into the bobbin case
& that the bobbin case is inserted correctly in to the machine

Most likely, the needle is not inserted correctly. You don't say what kind of machne you are using, but every one has a different needle insertion. . Some thread front to back, some left to right, and some have an indentation just above the threadhole.. Also, if the needle is not perfectly lined up, it won't thread, or sometimnes, if the bobbin is not inserted correctly, it won't thread.Check your threading diagram, and pay close attention to the needle position.Good luck!

The needles are changed by inserted the hex wrench into what looks to be holes on the front and left side where the needles go into the machine.I'm not sure what size the hex wrench is but it's pretty small. From the manual,
"Removing Needle: Unplug the machine. Turn the handwheel counterclockwise to raise the needle bar to its highest position. Loosen the needle clamp with the allen wrench and pull the needle out." and
"Inserting needle: When the neddle bar is at the highest position, insert a new needle in the needle holder, making sure that the groove of the needle faces you. Push the needle as far up as it will go and tighten the needle clamp screw." "Removing Needle: Unplug the machine. Turn the handwheel counterclockwise to raise the needle bar to its highest position. Loosen the needle clamp with the allen wrench and pull the needle out."

The machine takes DB x 1, or 1738 needles, and a size 14 needle is recommended.

Hope this helps!

Needle jams....Thread is caught in the hook...solution...Remove the upper thread and bobbin case,turn the handwheel backwards and forwards by hand and remove the thread remands.

Needles breaks
1. Needles is damaged..Insert new needle
2. The needle is not correctly inserted....insert flat side towards the back
3. Wrong needle size for the fabric...Choose a needle to suit the thread and fabric.