Originally Posted by
ckcowl
The size needle hasn't much to do with the fabrics- the needle needs to be the correct size for the thread being used. Visit Superior Threads for free charts you can print that tell you what needle to use with which type/ weight threads and what the best application is.
I went to a workshop with Dawn Cameron-Dick and the following day she had a talk on threads and needles so I went and I am so glad I did, after 10 years of trial and error she explained what you just said, it's the thread you use that denotes what size needle to use not the fabric. She also had an enormous oversized needle, given to her by Schmetz, and she explained how the thread and the machine works to make a stitch, it was mind blowing as I had never thought about it before. She also showed us some blown up images of a needle after use, and if you see the picture below you will understand more why a new needle often is such a good investment. I was told to change my needle after 3 bobbin fills but as I now use Aurfil for piecing I change mine every other fill, cheap investment next to the cost of my £1200 Elna!!!!!!!!!
KenmoreGal I love your machine and thank you for posting such an interesting but frustrating topic
