Is it really BAD to use regular needle instead of quilting needle???
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Near Joliet, Illinois
Posts: 329
Is it really BAD to use regular needle instead of quilting needle???
Hi...well I am just about to embark machine piecing my first top...nervous as everything.
Anyway....as I am reading different posts here and articles, I find I don't have "quilting" needles, just the everyday (I guess they are called "universal") needles.
So my question to all you veteran machine piecing people...is it BAD if I DON'T use a quilting needle?? I am using all cotton fabric.
All help appreciated.
Thank-you
Anyway....as I am reading different posts here and articles, I find I don't have "quilting" needles, just the everyday (I guess they are called "universal") needles.
So my question to all you veteran machine piecing people...is it BAD if I DON'T use a quilting needle?? I am using all cotton fabric.
All help appreciated.
Thank-you
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
No its not bad... before they had all of these special needles ... we used the ones we had and our quilts somehow lasted.
Do check the size , bigger is not better , especially when it comes to the piecing.
Do check the size , bigger is not better , especially when it comes to the piecing.
#4
I use a "topstitch" needle - recommended by my quilt shop clerk. It is designed to hold two threads so I have a better chance of getting the thing threaded! I was using universal needles before that.
http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CDcQ8wIwAQ#
I used to get them at Wal-mart, but they haven't had them lately. Now get them at Joanns.
The link shows a size 16 needle. I get a size 12.
http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CDcQ8wIwAQ#
I used to get them at Wal-mart, but they haven't had them lately. Now get them at Joanns.
The link shows a size 16 needle. I get a size 12.
#9
Universal isn't wrong if that's all you have, but I think there's better choices. I use a microtex (aka, sharp) instead of a universal needle. Universals have a slightly rounded tip and the microtex has a sharper, thinner point so it's perfect for piecing, appliqué, and quilting. Here's some info on how to choose and the differences between needles. http://quiltbug.com/articles/choosing-needle.htm
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
karensue
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
4
04-01-2012 02:42 AM
QuiltnNan
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
5
11-22-2011 05:01 AM
bearisgray
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
11
05-23-2011 04:37 AM
moonwork42029
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
35
02-22-2011 01:59 AM
Chasing Hawk
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
72
01-13-2011 03:31 PM