thepolyparrot

Thanks, Janey - I used to have some of these bookmarked on my old computer.

Macybaby

Here is a short version - universal will usually work OK on most fabric, but if you have trouble, there is probably a "special" needle that will work better, as the links said, it's a bit like a blunt tip Sharp needle. Not a true point but not considered a "ball point" either.

Sharp is just that, a sharp point. For when you really need it to pierce through, and even into a weave thread. Normally the "5" or odd size needles are ball point, so a more rounded point than the Universal. Both the quilting needles and emboridery needles I have come in the half size numbers, they are considered a form of ball point time, not sharp.

Normally you'll see 70/10 and 75/11, then 80/12 and 85/13, then 90/14 and 95/15 - the 70/10 denotes the thickness of the needle, so a 75/11 is normally the same thickness of the 70/10 but has the rounded tip.

If you want to find out exactly how the tip difference, please do check out the links. There have nice pictures.

There are two measures because the first is the "metric" version and the second is the "standard" version. They might be called something different, but they are both listed because the needles are sold multiple countries.

Now- keep in mind "universal" only addresses the needle TIP - most domestic machines all take the same size needle, but be aware that vintage and industrial usually take different size needles, as do most sergers. So Universal does not mean it fits most machines, it means it works with most fabric.

It just so happens that Singer used the more European measure, and when the Japanese started making machines, they copied Singer, and now almost all domestic machines are made using the same size needle.

QuiltE

JaneTea .... to make it real simple for you ........
The overall basic concept is that you match the needle with the thread!

So ..... the finer the thread, the smaller the needle.
That being considerations to the thickness of the needle, the hole size and the scarf.

An often misunderstood fact is that all 50 weight thread is NOT equal.
So .... you might have a match on needle size with a 50 wt, but a different brand of thread may require a different needle.

Different kinds of fabric ... different kinds of needles.

Different sewing techniques (eg. straight line stitching when piecing vs. FMQ vs. straight line quilting) ..... different kinds of needles and different sizes.

Different quilt sandwich and thread combos .... you got it ...... different needles and sizes.

That's the Easy-Peasy version ..... Now do yourself a favour and sit down with your favourite bevvy for a good read!! It is time more than well spent for what you will learn and how it will improve your enjoyment of sitching and quilting!


IOW there is no straight forward one-and-only answer

Suggestion ... keep notes for each project as to what needle worked best with which combo (along with machine settings, fabrics, battings etc.). I'm pretty consistent as to which needle I use for piecing, but when it comes to actual quilting, I refer back to the closest match on the combo of the quilt sandwich, thread and stitching method for where to start with my needle. Sometimes I hit a winner right off and sometimes I have to switch it out a time or two, til I find the magic needle! It really is quite surprising the difference the wrong/right needle can make to the enjoyment and ultimately the success of your projects.

And yes ...... always good to keep a supply of different needles on hand!

janiebakes

"An often misunderstood fact is that all 50 weight thread is NOT equal.
So .... you might have a match on needle size with a 50 wt, but a different brand of thread may require a different needle."

This was new info to me so I looked around for an answer. This site https://www.superiorthreads.com/educ...ad-measurement has a good explanation I think. Thank you QuiltE. I would have never questioned 50 weight thread without your comment.

OurWorkbench

This has me confused , which isn't hard, especially when it comes to needles and thread. As I look through https://schmetzneedles.com/household...e-needle-chart I see that there are "Ball Point" needles in sizes in 70, 80, 90 and 100. I even measured, with digital calipers, some old Singer sharp needles in 9 and 11 which would be equivalent to 65 & 75 and the diameter above the needle eye (not over the groove, but side to side) and while not exactly, was closer to 65 & 75 than 60 and 70.


Also, while I was off on one of my bunny trails, I happened across another site https://www.coats.com/en/information...c-needle-parts It has neat way to see if thread and needle match up entitled "How to test needle to thread size" but I am not sure that would work for embroidery, metallic or topstitch needles, since they have larger eyes. Below that section it also has a section entitled "Needle size to thread size & fabric weight "guidelines"" Of course it is for Coats products.


Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.

Not affiliated with off-site link(s)

Peckish

Nobody's posted this link yet, and when we started discussing needle diameters I found it helpful.
It also describes which needle is best for which type of project and textile.
https://www.superiorthreads.com/education/needle-guide

QuiltE

JanieBakes ... andQuillts! ....... There's always more bits and pieces for us to learn. Glad it helped and spurned you on to finding another link with even more great info for us!

OurWorkbench, Janey, that's "ey" not "ie"! ....... Another great site!! Dang those bunnies and squirrels that sidetrack us!!!