Hello everyone, Sylvia here. Does anyone know much about machine needles? I have a quilters companion and am bogged down with information on which needles to use. Is there a standard one that will do all e.g. ordinary seeming and quilting, or do i need to have a separate one for each job?

I just use the same one for both.

I base the needle on the thickness of the fabric.


http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmachineindex/ig/Sewing-Machine-Needles/Needle-Sizes.--94.htm

For everything, I use the 14.......if its a sheer ot thin or a knit ,a ball point needle or a 11 If I am sewin denim I use a jeans needle.
I got 100 needle all size singer 14 on e-bay for $20. :D

I always use a size 14 also. Right now though, there is a size 16 in my machine. I only change the needle depending on the material. I hope this helps you.

I use a cheapo universals from Walmart for piecing, and Dritz quilting needles for the quilting part - the universals leave big holes in my quilt! :)

Thanks Miranda that's helpful. Sylvia

Thanks Ruth. Good information. Sylvia

Haven't heard of Driltz needles. I suppose if I shopped around I would find them here in England somewhere. Sylvia

Yes it does. Anything at this stage is useful. Many thanks. Sylvia

k9colliedog - I get the Dritz needles at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I don't know, are there chain fabric stores in England? I like Schmetz needles also, they're pretty inexpensive too. They might be easier to find over there. :)

I use Schmetz Universals for just about everything. I like 9-10 for piecing and 12 for quilting. I have purchased Schmetz quilting needles before, but I didn't see a significant difference.

I to only use the Schmetz, mostly because that's what the dealer told my mother before me and I don't want to screw up my new machine! :wink:

Hello Cathe. The name Schmetz I recognise as was given 2 packs when I bought my machine. One is 80/12 the other is 70/10 so it looks as though as I am covered. Many Thanks. Sylvia

Hello Elizabeth. I have the same feeling about my new machine, and was given 2 packs of Shmetz when I bought it. I think I will be o.k. Thanks. Sylvia

Well, there ya go! I look forward to seeing what you create! :D

You're welcome. :lol: