Thread: Sewing with Batiks

I am working on a project using Batiks, and found when I have to rip out a seam, the needle I'm using creates a big hole, even though I just put a new one in. (Universal 80/12).

I went to a quilt store today, and 3 of the ladies said they all use a Universal, 80/12, also.

I looked it up on the internet, and it was suggested to use a "Sharp" or a "Microtex" 70/10. I happened to have a Superior Topstitch 80/12 on hand, (thinking it was a "Sharp"), and I couldn't believe the difference. My sewing machine hummed along like it was gliding through butter.

I was wondering what has been your experience with sewing Batiks. Do you use the same needle you use for regular quilter's cotton, or do you switch to a "Sharp".

Thanks in advance!

I change my needle according to what I'm sewing - Sharp or Microtex for batiks and appliqué, Quilting for layers and piecing (and of course quilting, lol), Topstitch/Metallic for metallics etc. I've recently tried the titanium Topstitch and quite like it. The test will be to see how long it lasts.

As an aside - I was recently at a quilting class. A new lady proudly announced that she'd never had to change a needle in the 25 years or she'd had the machine............. Not often I'm lost for words!

Originally Posted by Knitette

As an aside - I was recently at a quilting class. A new lady proudly announced that she'd never had to change a needle in the 25 years or she'd had the machine............. Not often I'm lost for words!

This absolutely blows my mind. How were you able not to say anything? LOL. I've never heard of anything so outrageous.

Originally Posted by Girlfriend

This absolutely blows my mind. How were you able not to say anything? LOL. I've never heard of anything so outrageous.

Ha! I agree! I would bet it's never been serviced either... I loved the titanium needles, but my brother machine, not so much. I'll have to try them in my bernina and see if she likes them. When y'all change needle size, do you change your thread as well? And do you use different threads when working with batiks?

Originally Posted by Knitette

......As an aside - I was recently at a quilting class. A new lady proudly announced that she'd never had to change a needle in the 25 years or she'd had the machine............. Not often I'm lost for words!

Now that's a needle!!!! Either that, or she's never sewn with that machine.....

I never use top stitch needles, I use sharps and sometimes universals for general sewing in the size appropriate for the thread I am using. If doing any specialty sewing I use the needle appropriate for the task ( metallic for metallic thread, embroidery, ball point for knits, etc. )

Topstitch has a bump on the shaft to open up the fabric and will make a bigger hole. It is used for quilting. You want to use microtex or sharp. It sounds like you might also need a thinner thread like aurifil. I use 80/12 microtex and I use mainly Hoffman or Walmart batiks.

Originally Posted by Annaquilts

Topstitch has a bump on the shaft to open up the fabric and will make a bigger hole. It is used for quilting. You want to use microtex or sharp. It sounds like you might also need a thinner thread like aurifil. I use 80/12 microtex and I use mainly Hoffman or Walmart batiks.

Thank you, Annaquilts, I didn't realize that about Topstitch needles. I will keep that in mind. Yes, I definitely use Aurifil thread, in fact, I buy it by the cone! It's all I use. Am a huge believer of Aurifil thread.

I bet Walmart has better prices on needles....and Batik. Just wondering which Walmart you are able to find Batiks? The ones close to me don't carry fabric. (: I noticed you are in SoCa.