Tammi,
The DBX1 needle and the others can
usually be interchanged. The differences are in the size/ diameter of the shank, whether or not there is a scar, or style of the tip. For example the 16X87 does not have a scarf so it is only used in straight stitch machines, never zig zag machines.
Originally Posted by
ArchaicArcane
Hey Janis,
The 12 on the 15x1 needles the lady pulled out was the size of the needle, not the type. You're looking for a "type" of needle. If they try to sell you a needle clearly labeled as a 15x1 as a 12x1, go talk to someone else in the store. That's like trying to put a car tire on a truck. Yes, they use similar numbers, but they're not for the same usage.
Cathy, thanks for the clarification on the aliases of the DBx1 needles. I have 4 packages of Groz-Beckert needles here, they have all sorts of numbers on them but no DBx1 so I thought I would have to order some, but they did say: 135x7, 134, 135x5, 1738, 16x257(which told me they may work), 16x231, SY 1955, 797, Sy1901, Sy 1903, DPx7.