If you took a marker and coloured the area where the size is and wipe it off, would it make it easier to see the size? I know I can't see the size on needles even with a magnifier and reading glasses on. ( I guess i could get off the computer and see if it works).

If you keep track of what you put in the machine in the first place you won't have to try and figure out what it is when you take it out.

I have a craft box from JoAnn's that's just the right size for needle packages. The orange button is for the Janome and the dark red button is for the Pfaff. I put the button in the compartment of the needle I take out and put in the machine. Any loose needle in a compartment has been used but is still good.


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I too use the tomato and section off for sizes and uses. I use each 'section' for the use, as in jeans, sharps, embroidery, etc. Then I have drawn 3 horizontal lines to divide the sections into 4 or 5 parts, for the sizes.
I use this guide to tell me what kind of needle it is when I can't see the shank to read it. This is for needles I have used, and I use a plastic case similar to the one above to store the small cases of needles.
http://www.euronotions.com/pdf/Schmetz_Sales_Guide.pdf

I toss it as soon as I take it out of the machine. I'll lose/misplace/forget to sort the thing anyway.

I tape the used one to the needle case with blue painters tape. I always keep the needle case beside my machine until I change the needle. That way I know what's in the machine, and it's not hard to match the needle with the case.

How to identify used needles
 

I also use the tomato pin cushion with marked dividers. I also put a piece of masking tape on the front of the machine that says the size of the needle and another one if it is a ball point needle in case I forget to take it out when done sewing. The Schmetz(?) needles come in a box with a label so I keep all the new ones in their original box, and sometimes I do put the used ones back in their box. Will be waiting to see other suggestions. Why on earth haven't the manufacturers come up with a better system. I have a wonderful large magnifying glass but still can't read the size on the needle very well and often have to get my hubby to look at it for me.

When i put a new needle in, I will use a sticky pad and write the number on it.and put it on the spool stick. If I need another size I will take the one in the machine and place in container marked with this size. And do the next needle the same way. I use several machines so cannot always remember what size needle is in the machine. It works great for me.

Tape them to a 3 x 5 file card, sectioned off with a marker for each size needle you place on it. I hang the card on my tool board over my sewing machine right next to where I store my new needles.

I took a piece of white felt, made two columns showing all the needle brands, sizes and types, and when I finish with a needle, I "pin" it in the proper place. Then I fold the felt in half and keep it in a drawer. I also keep a post-it on my machine where I write which needle size, etc. is in the machine!!

I feel your pain. so many times over the years i have mixed up my needles. i used to know the color code better, but i had only one machine back then and not so much money for needles. i will have to get out my magnifying glass this evening and see if that helps me to read whats on a needle. That sounds like a good idea, along with learning the colors again!