sewing machine needles for piecing vs. fmq'ing
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Tulsa, Ok
Posts: 4,582
I use the same needles--the titanium last a long time. I use size 16 for piecing and 14 for quilting. But you are supposed to match your needle size with the thread size, so since I use 50 wt thread for piecing I use size 16 needles. If I use 40 wt thread for quilting I use 14 needles. As Onebyone said the superior website is a great reference.
#12
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
The correct needle is dependent on the thread you are using. I often use 'Sharps' the size I determine by the weight thread I am using. If I am using metallic threads I use a needle specific for metallics. Some times I use a topstitch needle (usually when working on heavier fabrics like denim, or when using a heavy thread. Superior Threads is a good place to visit. They have charts you can print off explaining the different threads and what needles to use with them it is a very good resource. I buy needles from them sometimes too. I often use Schmetz needles. They've have worked OK for me for 50 years
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Piedmont Virginia in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mtns.
Posts: 8,562
I recently was having a problem with DSM quilting on a quilt with some pieces backed with featherweight fusible. I tried a Schmetz 75/11 microtex needle and found that the tiny "popping" sound I was hearing stopped while using this needle. Was using Mettler 40wt. cotton top thread/Mettler 50 wt. cotton bobbin thread.
I've been converting to the titanium needles, too, and really like them. But I managed to get a burr on this last one, to my great annoyance, and now have to buy more!
Jan in VA
I've been converting to the titanium needles, too, and really like them. But I managed to get a burr on this last one, to my great annoyance, and now have to buy more!
Jan in VA
#14
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,131
I use to use I use Schmetz Sharp needles until they came out with the "Quilting" needle 90/14 (on a bright pink card). I too get them at JAF especially a couple of months ago when they were 70% off !!
#18
I use 80/12 sharps or microtex for piecing. The microtex are usually 70/10. Both are very sharp and there is no "popping" because they are so sharp. For Free Motion I use 80/12 or 90/14 Topstitch because the eye is bigger and eliminates the problem of fraying thread. I use embroidary polyester thread for Free Motion. I love it, it has a shine that really looks good.
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