Originally Posted by
Onebyone
I have the same Brother machine. I use Titanium coated Topstitch needles. They stay sharper much longer when machine quilting then other needles. Aurifil 50wt is 2 ply. I use a size 18/12
Here is the guideline I use:
Here is link to good online information about thread and needles.
http://www.superiorthreads.com/education/
The needle to use depends both on the weight of thread AND the quilt sandwich, including thickness of batting. If you start getting thread fray/breakage with any combination above, the first thing to do is change to a larger eyed (larger in general) needle. You are especially vulnerable with multidirectional (FMQ) stitching. Longarms tend to use needles designed for multidirectional use. I have yet to find multi-directional needles for domestic sewing machines (including some mid-arms).