Miriam,
The top of the shank to the eye is the timing length and yes it is the same. But, the 15x1's longer tip will still be in the fabric (especially with thicker fabrics) when the feeddogs start moving and this will affect the tension and stitching. It
can also hit the bobbin case. It is always better to use the correct needle. Please don't let anyone talk you into retiming the 206 series to take a regular needle. I know that this can be a controversial subject.
The tip
could be shortened and resharpened, but I would not recommend it. It would be very difficult to make the reshaped tip just like the original such as shape, sharpness, in line with the long axis of the needle, etc.
Cathy
Originally Posted by
miriam
Cathy:
The only difference in the 15x1 and the 206x13 needle is in the tip??? The top of the shank to the eye is the same??? So can the 15x1 be modified?