Differences in sewing machine needle brands -
 

I understand that there are different needle systems, sizes, and point styles.

My question is:

If needles are the same system, style, and size - would/should they be interchangeable?

If not, what are the differences between Singer, Schmetz, and Organ needles? (Or any others out there?)

I started using Superior needles because they have a longer hole than the others. Less drag on the thread. I love them and have all the different sizes. They also seem to last longer.

technically -the SYSTEM denotes what machine it fits, the Style is what type of tip the needle has, and the size is how big in diameter the needle has. One item not address is the type of metal and process the needle goes through to harden it. Some processes make metal more brittle, some make it more flexible. And different mixtures of metal (alloys) can react very differently. And now some companies are putting different coatings on the needle after manufacture.

Then there is quality control- some companies have higher tolerances than others, so if the needle is suppose to be .05268 diameter (number pulled off the ceiling) but one company says +-.005 is close enough and another says .0005 is close enough . . .

So there is a lot more going into selection of needle other than System, Style and Size

I have over 150 machines with probable over 15 systems. Now days the vast majority of domestic machines use the same system that Singer started using in the late 1800's (and at the time, they were one of the few US companies using that one).

I have no idea who is actually making the needles that have the Singer brand name on them. I don't know if SVP owns any needle production factories. Sometimes you find many "brands" are made at the same place, but they have different specifications so being made at the same place in no way means they are similar in quality.

Organ makes Superior needles, you're just paying more for the name.

Cari

I didn't know that!

I use Organ and Schmetz on my Bernina and my vintage Singers. They seem to work well on all of them

Whenever my machine is being a brat, a simple change of needle type/size usually does the trick. Needle performance may also depend on the type of fabric, stitching speed, thread, etc. I sometimes use a "topstitch" needle for the embroidery machine and it works fine. I seldom use a "universal" needle but know a few stitchers that use them for everything.

More info for your curiosity.

Chrome
http://florianisoftware.com/products...hrome-Needles/

Schmetz info

https://www.schmetzneedles.com/all-about-needles/#

http://www.klasse.com/en/

PS: These trays make great storage units for a stash of needles. I label serger needles with a bright green label so they aren't used in the wrong machine.

http://www.joann.com/anti-tarnish-me...%2Bbin&start=1

It may be my imagination, but when I switched to the Organ titanium needles from the Organ regular steel needles, they seemed to pierce the fabrics smoother and last a whole lot longer. So that is all I use now.

I have recently tried some Organ anti-glue needles and my PQ1500s seems to prefer them for quilting through spray basted items.

Rob

Thanks for the tip. I use Superior needles but will try Organ next time I buy. If I save on needles, that means I have more money for fabric.