The only difference that I am aware of in needles is industrial (round shaft) and domestic (flat on one side). Universal is just a type of tip like, ball, stretch, denim, metallic, quilting, embroidery, etc. Here is a link that may be helpful:
http://www.superiorthreads.com/educa...e-right-needle
If you want an excuse to buy a new machine, though, you never saw this post--wink, wink--LOL
