I still don't have my instuction book for my sewing machine - gonna have to find another quilt shop to order it - the one I am trying to buy it thru has had three times to do it and apparently hasn't. Anyways, the needle that was in the machine when I got it is now dull. I took it out, figuring it would have on it somewhere what size it was. Didn't. I went to Walmart. They were all labeled by numbers, not use, except the ones that said they were for jeans. I am trying to quilt the quilt. What size do I use? I think the two sizes were 80*20 and 90*14. Which size do I use? What do the numbers mean? If those aren't the right sizes, what is?

Also, since I've already got you experts - I have a babylock crafters choice. I bought the quilting foot to go with it - looked cheap and plastic, but ok. It broke within two hours of quilting. So, not gonna waste my money on another one. Which foot that came with the machine (a metal one) do you suggest I use?

Thanks everyone!! Virg

http://www.sewing.org/files/guidelin...dle_charts.pdf

http://www.gwsms.com/didyouknow.htm

Helpful info on both those web sites.

a size 14 needle is pretty standard for sewing on most fabrics. not knowing what feet you have, I would suggest almost any that you can sew straigt stitches. if there is one with two prongs slightly spaced, a narrow looking foot, that is for just straight stitching. another with two prongs a little wider spaced would do the same, but allow for zig zag stitching. You don't want to use feet with brushes, or flanges on the side. Hope that makes sense.LOL

Thanks for the question and to clem55 for the answer!
I am always puzzle as what size needle to buy or use :-)

8020 is Singer's numbering for the standard 15x1 machine needle. Other numbers you might see for this same needle are HAx1, 705, 130 and others. This denotes the needle system.

The retail stores don't usually carry many needles that don't belong to this system other than a couple of serger needle systems. They will have sharps for woven fabrics, (no special designation) ball points for knits (BP) and so-called "universal" needles which (in theory) can be used on wovens or knits.

Needle sizes are usually included on the packaging in both the European and Asian sizes - ie: 90/14, 65/9, etc.

You choose the needle based on the thread size that you're using. Very fine threads will need the smallest diameter needles - 65/9.

60 & 70wt threads will use a 70/10 or a 75/11, 50 & 40wt threads will use a 75/11, 80/12 or 90/14.

Sometimes the fabric or effect will weigh more heavily in choosing the needle than the type of thread you're using. For denim, for instance, you need a heavier needle than for quilting cottons - even though you might be using the same thread for both projects.

Hope that made sense. :)

My favorite quilting/darning foot looks like it will last about ten minutes, but I've never broken one, yet - it costs all of $3: http://shop.sew-classic.com/Low-Shan...t-SCF55417.htm

Thanks for the link to the sites about sewing needles. I have the same problem knowing which size needle to use for sewing cotton fabric pieces together.

My favorite quilting/darning foot looks like it will last about ten minutes, but I've never broken one, yet - it costs all of $3: http://shop.sew-classic.com/Low-Shan...t-SCF55417.htm[/quote]

The one on my Elna looks pretty flimsy, also and even though I have actually managed to drive the needle through the plastic a couple times--it still works! I was using size 18 titanium quilting needles. They look like nails but they take a beating (as well as my darning foot) and keep on quilting--LOL!