How to identify used sewing machine needles???????

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02-11-2012, 02:33 PM

#11

QandE2010

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Join Date: May 2011

Location: Florida - formerly Montana

Posts: 3,504

Thanks for all the great tips. I try to keep my needles separate so I can identify them later, but will have to work harder at it. So again, thanks.

02-11-2012, 02:36 PM

#12

jaciqltznok

Banned

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Enid, OK

Posts: 8,273

Quote:

Originally Posted by mighty

I keep them in old RX bottles marked with size ect.

if you do this, cut a piece of cardstock and batting to fit the bottom to keep your points sharp!

02-11-2012, 02:37 PM

#13

jaciqltznok

Banned

Join Date: Dec 2009

Location: Enid, OK

Posts: 8,273

Quote:

Originally Posted by QandE2010

Thanks for all the great tips. I try to keep my needles separate so I can identify them later, but will have to work harder at it. So again, thanks.

You can make a Needle case...very pretty, handy, and organized!

02-11-2012, 04:44 PM

#14

auntpiggylpn

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2011

Location: Michigan. . .FINALLY!!!!

Posts: 6,726

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee in Richmond

Oops. You might be out of luck this time.

I shouldn't admit this, but I pretty much use whatever needle is in the machine for whatever I'm working on, knowing that I only have the "middle" range of sizes. (I don't work with sheers or denim.)

Me too!!! I don't really look at what needle I put in the machine either! (Bad girl, I know!)

02-11-2012, 04:57 PM

#15

CoyoteQuilts

Super Member

Join Date: Mar 2010

Location: Tennessee

Posts: 2,189

The only way is to be able to magnify the end so you can tell what the tip of the needle looks like. I stopped using all different type of needles some time ago and only use topstitch needles. I don't sew on knits much any more so it makes no difference in my house.

I wish you luck on figuring out what is what..

02-11-2012, 05:29 PM

#16

Handcraftsbyjen

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2011

Location: New Hampshire

Posts: 835

I use old prescription bottles and place a piece of moleskin that I cut to size inside the lid and on the bottom to protect the points of the needles.

02-11-2012, 11:17 PM

#17

audsgirl

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Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Minnesota

Posts: 4,840

Quote:

Originally Posted by glenda5253

I've run into this problem before also. Am liking this idea but would like to follow this thread for more ideas. How do you do that?

If you look at the line above the first post you will see a phrase that says "Thread Tools." Click on that and your options will drop down. Then click on "Subscribe to this thread."

02-12-2012, 04:45 AM

#18

romanojg

Super Member

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Norfolk, VA

Posts: 5,397

Quote:

Originally Posted by SewinSue

If I have used a sewing machine needle for only a short amount of time I stick them into a pin cushion to be used again. I can look at the needle and read the size and brand and in some cases the color of the shaft will identify what kind of needle it is however most needles can't be identifed that way so how can I tell the difference between a universal, ballpoint, metalic, quilting etc.??? In a cleaning frenzy and need to sort and categorize so your help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Sue

I take a colored sharpie and mark the flat shaft end and then put it back into the case from which it came. Problem solved. I know all about it and also that it has been used some. I don't do this with needles that can no longer be used.

02-12-2012, 05:23 AM

#19

Senior Member

Join Date: Sep 2009

Location: Where it's warm & sunny all the time :-)

Posts: 610

Sewinsue.....you might visit a store/LQS that has a good inventory of needles and look at the color bands on the various kinds of needles. Or....maybe the manufacturer's website has a color code guide that can be downloaded.