mckwilter

I have 6 221 Featherweights dating from the 1930s to the 1960s, the first machine I ever bought, a 1971 Singer, and a Singer treadle machine from the 1930s, and I use Schmetz needles in all of them. The store you bought your machine from may tell you to use a particular brand of needle, but they probably sell them, too. I have two Berninas and have used Schmetz, Bernina, Organ and Superior Thread needles in them, and they all did fine. I bought a 301 for my daughter, showed her how to oil and lube it, gave her a new Schmetz needle, and off she sewed.

IMHO, what is important is using the correct needle and thread with the correct fabric. I use ball point needles for knits and fleece, and and I use sharps for natural fibers (cotton, wool, linen, etc.). I use 60/8 needles with polyester thread; 70/10 and 80/12 needles with 50/3 and 60/3 threads; and 90/14 for heavier fabrics (like denim), for quilting and for purse/craft construction.