Thread: FMQ recommended needle size on cotton would be...???

Any other tips regarding FMQ (free motion quilting) would be appreciated, as well. I have watched Leah Day tutorials, but did not notice anything about best needle size to use on 100% cotton, or if that would even make a difference.

You would choose the needle size based on the thread size that you're using in the needle. With 70wt threads, I use a 9, 10 or 11, depending upon which is giving me the best stitch. With 60wt threads, 10, 11 or 12; with 50wt, 11, 12 or 14; 30wt, 14 or 16 and with 12wt, 18, 20 or 22, again always depending on which needle is giving me the best stitch.

Hope that helps!
Elizabeth

I use a Jeans Needle (which is the same as a quilting needle), they come in different sizes. I use a thinner one for light quilts and the thicker ones with heavy or thicker batting. Jeans Needles have a really sharp tip and that's really important. I got this information years ago from a free motion class.

Did not consider thread weight at all! I think our little beginner class was assuming we would all be using all-purpose thread and so we were told to get a 70/10 I think. Yikes! More to these needles than meets the eye! (pun intended.) Thank you all for weighing in with some food for thought. Back to the machine for a more informed go at it!

I have a package of quilting needles, but I usually use my same old piecing needle - a basic size 11. I would use a 14 on denim, but haven't quilted any yet.

I think Superior Threads recommends a topstitch needle for FMQ, regardless of size. Might want to take needle type into consideration as well as needle size.