Best needle for machine quilting?
 

I am quilting on my mechanical Singer machine. Since I FMQ all my quilts I go through needles pretty fast. I was quilting last night and 14/90 broke. I finished my quilt with whatever needle i had left. Which type of needle do you recommend as the best for Fmq on DSM?

I always use an 80/12 when quilting. I also use a DSM for my FMQ.

I use machine needles that say on the pkg. for machine quilting. Never paid attention to the size, sorry.

i like the 14/90 but have used a jeans needle in a pinch. mostly, the reason is that the eye is larger for me to be able to thread it :)

That's what I always use, too. I also switch to the single hold needle plate which prevented "eyelashes" on the backing.

LOL, one of these days we will only be using abreveations for everything.

I use a topstitch needle and usually use a size 90/14.

Well I guess I'm the odd one out. I have a DSM with a 9" throat on a frame. It stitches 1500 stitches per minute. I use either a 16 or 18 for quilting.

I usually use an 80/12 when machine quilting...but it will depend on the thread I am sewing with. For cottons, I use a quilting needle. For metallics, a Metallica needle. For invisible thread, I use a size 10 quilting needle. For heavier threads I use a jeans needle size 14. Usually the best way to decide on your needle is to let the thread determine that.

I think the best needle is what works for you. It also depends on the thread you're using.
I use Schmetz Quilting 90/14 for both piecing and quilting with Connecting Threads.

Size of needle is dependent on thickness of thread, usually breaking is from moving the sandwich too fast, but i would use quilting or topstiching needles, and supposedly titanium needles last longer but I haven't tried

Great tip for the "eyelashes", LivelyLady... Thanks, I'll try it.

The single hole needle plates are great, but be sure to swap it before you try to use a different stitch! My needle is now a bit off center because I forgot. Even after being serviced it isn't as perfectly centered as it used to be. :(

I have gone to titanium needles made by Organ for Superior Thread. I purchase them through the Connecting Threads catalog. I think they do a good job and last longer. But everyone needs to find what works in their machine. Good Luck.

On one of my machines needle is off center quite a bit as well so I use it for quilting only. I am using "the well centered" machine for piecing. It just about killed me when this happened. Cannot be fixed! Darn!

I use a 14-90 spring needle, no foot.

Luana,
I appreciate this tip! Have been seriously considering Organ needles, but didn't want to make the trip in to the only shop where I can buy them. Connecting Threads and I, on the other hand, are fast friends and with them I only have to go as far as the mail box!

Jan in VA