Machine Needles Universal 70/10 and Sharp 70/1010. Also What is 70/11 For
 

I'm focused on using the right needle for machine piecing regular quilting cotton.
I see Universal 70/10, Sharp 70/10, Quilting 75/11.
Would like to understand which needle to choose without being confused about it. lol

Specifically what is the difference between a Universal 70/10 and a Sharp 70/10?

Perhaps https://schmetzneedles.com/do-you-kn...-needle-points and https://schmetzneedles.com/household...e-needle-chart would help sort it out. There are some others like https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewing_machine_needle and https://weallsew.com/all-about-sewing-machine-needles/ and https://www.allbrands.com/categories/610

Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)

I can always read links. I'm hoping for someone who wants to engage with me to explain the differences. These links explain what the needles are.

Thanks for those links, Janey. I thought I knew a lot about using the right size needles depending on the thread weight. These sites taught me a bit more. It’s always a good day when I learn something new. 😀

Skip the Universal for quilting cottons. It has a rounded tip so you can sew knits and wovens without doing too much damage. The quilting needle and the sharps are good, but I prefer a size 12. 10-11 are better for thinner fabrics like you'd use for a prom dress. 9 for really fine fabric. 14s are okay for piecing and sometimes needed for FMQ, but I really like a 12. I have been using a Schmertz Microtex 12 for everything lately. I like that one, obviously.

Thanks for those link, Janey. They are really informative to me especially about some of the newer needles. I always like to learn something new an useful. I thought they explained what the different needles are used for quite well.

Wow, even I learned some new things, and I thought I knew everything! (insert facetious eye roll here) 🤣 Thank you for posting those links, Janey!

Very interesting links, Janey! I love learning a little more than I knew yesterday. Thanks for posting them https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/smile.png

I printed off one of the charts. Now will fold it so I can put it in my wallet for next shopping trip when needles are on sale. TYSM!!!

Add me to the list of "thank you, Janey"! I had no idea Schmetz had those great reference pages!