Color coding sewing machine needles
 

I recently purchased some new sewing machine needles in packages of 100 because it was more economical. With the size stamped on the needle and my eyesight fading over the years, it has been getting harder and harder to read the sizes. I decided that color coding the needles was in order so that it was easier to find the correct size at a glance. I thought about permanent markers, but some do actually rub off the metal. My solution was nail polish. On each needle where it tapers from the flat back to the needle, I painted a thin strip of color. For example, I am using orange for size 14, green for size 12, and purple for size 11.

Just a little tip that I thought somebody else might be able to use.

A good solution ...
... though as a thought, I would be concerned that the nail polish might flake off, fall into the machine, and cause damage. Nothing to substantiate this and it is just my gut speaking out.


Curious ........ what brand of needles come in 100 packs? I've never seen any beyond 12 packs.

I'm sure your packages of 100 come labelled as to the type of needle and size, so am thinking your need is only for after they leave that box.

What I do is write onto a piece of painters tape and stick it to the machine front, as to what type of needle and size is in the machine. Then change it when I put a different one in. If you take the needle out, and want to re-use it, just use the tape to stick it somewhere safe, til you use it again.

I use Schmetz needles and they are NOW color coded. Great idea !!

.........colour coded for type, though not for size

I use Schmetz needles also but I am very new to quilting. Is there a chart somewhere that tells what size to use for piecing and or quilting? I have been using the ones labeled quilting. I have noticed that they are color coded now.

Great idea! I must remember this one.

One trick I use it I have a tomato pin cushion and I wrote in each tomato section the number of the needle, so I keep them organized that way when I remove them from the machine. Also helps me keep embroidery needles separate from quilting needles.

The Schmetz site has their color code chart in a PDF that you can print out
http://www.schmetzneedles.com

Best price I have found:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw...s&_sacat=41247

I buy Organ brand needles from Amazon in boxes of 100 for about $10-$12. It's 10 packs of 10 needles. Great deal and my machine loves 'em.

I like the painter's tape idea. I do something similar for Xacto blades when I need to switch to a different type of blade and the blade coming out of the handle is still good; I painter-tape them to the underside of my glass drawing table. The blade is in clear sight so I don't lose it, and safe where I won't jab myself with it.

Check out their website. They are now double color coded for both type and size.
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/