Favorite needle type and size for piecing?
 

Favorite needle type and size for piecing?

I use Organ sharps size 11 for piecing and machine embroidery, in fact for most of my sewing. I buy them in bulk because I have so many machines. I go up or down in size as needed.

Cari

I usually use the Universal needle. Not sure how to make a better choice.
Mike

My favorite size for piecing is 75/11 (using Aurifil 50wt thread). Gives me an accurate seam.

Microtex are my favorite needle type for accuracy, but recently I switched to topstitch needles because the bigger eye is easier for me to thread. If my eyes were better, I would stick with microtex.

Here's an older thread on this topic:
https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f...g-t194760.html

i never noticed a difference in needles. at a recent class, though, we were given microtex. i can really tell the difference. i think it's an 11 or 10. love them.

Needle sizes are determined by the thread type/ weight and type of sewing being done.
a good resource is to visit Superior Threads. They have free information sheets you can print off explaining the different needles, threads, and uses.

That is what I do too.

Microtex 80/12 for piecing and quilting w/Aurifill 50wt. I appliqué with 70/11. My machine auto-threads so I don't have an issue with size of needle eye etc. I have used Universal when I run out of inventory but the Microtex works best for me.

Inexpensive needles from ebay, size 12, do everything for me. I was surprised when the Elna didn't complain as she has been a needle and thread snob all her life. I just finished rebuilding a wool winter jacket with leather trim and the little needle did just fine.

I used Microtex needles. Usually size 12 for piecing and 12 or 14 for quilting. My Bernina definitely like Microtex best. I had some old Universal's that i used in a pinch and could tell they weren't my Microtex. The Microtex seems to give me a nicer stitch.

I had been using Organ 90/14 with Connecting Threads Essential thread for a couple of years. Works just fine. Then I switched to a topstitch Superior titanium needle (100/16) to quilt my last quilt with Aurofil . I fell in love with both, and kept the 16 needle in, just because I didn't want to go to the bother of switching back. However, I don't see the need to go with the pricier needles on most of what I do. Just went to the 16 because I needed to quilt a very special quilt and thought I'd splurge. (It was worth it.)

I like topstitch needles from Superior. I have a variety of sizes. I usually piece with an 11 or 12 and quilt with a 14. These needles are titanium and last a long time. I am careful not to sew over pins.

I piece with a size 70/11 using either topstitch, microtx or quilting needle and either Aurifil 50 wt or Superior Threads Bottom Line (60wt). When I switched to the finer threads and thinner needles That improved my ability to get a scant quarter inch seam.

When quilting I use either a topstitch 90/14 or 100/16 (even if I’m using 100wt thread) or sometimes an Organ anti-glue 75/11. Those types and sizes just seem to work best for all my machines when Fmq.

Rob

My Janome asks for Janome needles only. However, I found out that Organ is the company that makes the Janome needles. You can buy Organ needles really cheaply. They are sharp and do a very good job for piecing and quilting. If you know a lot of quilters you can buy them by the bulk and share the cost. It is much better than waiting for a coupon for JoAnn's, which is how I used to by my needles.

Microtex is just the Schmetz designation for sharp.
Mike, universal needles were invented to be an in-between for sharps and ball points. Not quite ball pointed but not quite sharp either. In my opinion that makes them universally good for nothing. You'll see an improvement in your sewing by using a true sharp needle(designated microtex, sharp, topstitch, etc.) for wovens and ball point needles for knits.

Cari