The post is being written for Kelly, who is having trouble changing a needle on her pleater. I decided to share all the pictures I was taking for her because if she was having a problem then maybe someone else was also. I am using a Salley Stanley pleater so there may be some slight differences with your pleater. The first step is to tilt the front of your pleater backwards. You can use a book or as shown here, a spool of thread. Next you will need to loosen the screws and turn the tab that holds the front bar. You do not need to remove the screws. If your pleater has pins then you can just remove the pins and place them somewhere where you can remember. Next remove the front bar. Your pleater is still tilted . If not your needles will all fall out. Been there done that. Don't want to do it again! :-) This is what the pleater looks like with out the front bar. Another close up. To remove the needle, hold the pleater needle by the end and lift up and out. If you are removing a broken needle you will need to find the broken tip of the needle and remove it also. Note the direction of the curve of the pleater needle. You must use a pleater needle that has been designed for your brand of pleater. While holding the end of the pleater needle, place the tip of the needle into the needle grove. Do not push or use force. Then lay the pleater needle down into the needle grove. Repeat the process until you have place all your pleater needle where you want them to be. After you are done, place the top roller bar back on. Check to see you have it going the right direction. The bar should roll back into place. Tighten the screws or replace the pin. Double check that everything moves freely by turning the wheel of your pleater. You should be able to turn the wheel with one finger. You can also find information on customizing your pleater under the archives. http://texassmockingcompany.blogspot.com/2009/06/customizing-your-pleater.html