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Needle size ???

Needle size ???

Old 03-17-2013, 05:49 AM
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Default Needle size ???

Good morning everyone...I have a quick question.....so I have finally gotten up the courage to actually cut the fabric for my quilt...I was so worried I would make a mistake....but I have gotten over that...so now I am ready to start sewing the pieces together......what is the best size needle to use for piecing the top cotton layer....then is there a different size needle to use when you are machine quilting the layers together??

Thanks for your help, I am quickly becoming addicted to this site...there is just so much to learn!!
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Old 03-17-2013, 06:06 AM
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I use a Microtex 14 for piecing. In a pinch I will use a Universal 14. I do not do FMQ on my domestic machine so I can not answer you question about that needle.

Here is a great chart that might help
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...es-an-overview

Last edited by eparys; 03-17-2013 at 06:11 AM. Reason: adding a link
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Old 03-17-2013, 06:15 AM
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The needle size depends on your thread size. You have to know the weight and ply of the thread and then select the right needle size. I use Superior Organ Ttitanium coated Topstitch needles for piecing and machine quilting. The titanium needles stay sharp about 5x longer then regular needles. I rarely have thread or tension issues on any of my machines.

Here is list of general needle and thread matches:

For Size #70/10 - #100, 60 wt., & MonoPoly.
For Size #80/12 - #50 (50 wt.) threads.
For Size #90/14 - #40 (40 wt.) threads.
For Size #100/16 - #30 (30 wt.) threads and thicker.

Last edited by BellaBoo; 03-17-2013 at 06:19 AM.
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Old 03-17-2013, 10:05 AM
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I use Aurifil and Prescencia for piecing and use a quilting 75/11. For quilting I use topstitch needles in either the 80/12 size or 90/14 depending on thread size. I never use universal needles for anything.
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Old 03-17-2013, 01:32 PM
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For both piecing and quilting, I like to use topstitch needles becasue there is less friction on the thread. No matter what weight thread I use, I use size 14 for piecing and size 16 for machine quilting on my Bailey.
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Old 03-17-2013, 01:34 PM
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Good answer BellaBoo - using the wrong size needle with a specific thread can create real issues!
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Old 03-17-2013, 02:39 PM
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Originally Posted by BellaBoo View Post
The needle size depends on your thread size. You have to know the weight and ply of the thread and then select the right needle size. I use Superior Organ Ttitanium coated Topstitch needles for piecing and machine quilting. The titanium needles stay sharp about 5x longer then regular needles. I rarely have thread or tension issues on any of my machines.

Here is list of general needle and thread matches:

For Size #70/10 - #100, 60 wt., & MonoPoly.
For Size #80/12 - #50 (50 wt.) threads.
For Size #90/14 - #40 (40 wt.) threads.
For Size #100/16 - #30 (30 wt.) threads and thicker.
Really great info!!!!!
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Old 03-17-2013, 04:53 PM
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I use size 11/75 for piecing with 50wt thread
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Old 03-17-2013, 05:21 PM
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70/11 or 80/12 sharps

Don't forget to change your needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.
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Old 03-17-2013, 05:30 PM
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Size 80/12 for everything concerning quilting.
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