Needle question
 

We were at a Joann's yesterday and I needed more sewing machine needles. Most were expensive but some were only $1.97. I didn't notice until I got home that it says there are Schmetz quick threading needles. They have a slip-in thread slot in the eye of the needle. Now for my question, can I use these on a FW? FW's are threaded opposite of most sewing machines and I'm curious. I don't want to get in the middle of a project to find they make a mess. I also would love to know if anyone has tried these on their machines, regular and FW's?

I only use Singer Needles and bobbins on my FW. Curious to find out about this tho.

I heard or read somewhere that only Singer needles should be used on Singer machines. I think the shank length is not quite the same as other brands. ??? I'm sure some of our resident experts will weigh in on this and offer more precise information.

My machine manuals say to use organ or schmetz needles. I use the 14.

I bought those needles because they were on clearance, too-------and boy was I disappointed!! They kept coming "unthreaded"!!! Because they were clearanced------I couldn't return them. That's the first time I ever threw a new item into the trash!

The FW does use the Schmetz without any problem. I got this from a local FW maintenance person. I've been using them and they are OK.

BTW, I buy my Schmetz at my LQS when I have a coupon and get the 100 count box. Saves me a lot.

ali

ANY company is going to tell you that you should only use their product on their machines...it's a money maker for them.

My 301 sews fine with Schmertz needles, but prefers Singer for FMQ. Weird, but whatever. My Elna only likes Schmertz. I've never tried the self threading, but you aren't going to hurt the machine by trying them. All size 15 needles are the same length. I found packs of 11 Singer needles for $1.99 at my LQS. I bought all they had and AnnieRose sews just fine.

The Quick Threading Needle is designed with the cutout in the eye to help people who have difficulty threading a regular needle. Unfortunately, SCHMTEZ uses similar graphics on both the Universal Needle packages and the Quick Threading Needle packages. It's easy to grab the wrong one by mistake. You can download a PDF file explaining the Quick Threading Needle at: http://www.schmetzneedles.com/learni...eedle_Info.pdf.

If you measure the Singer needles for FW and other vintage Singer machines to Schmtez needles there will be smidge difference in length. That smidge will make a difference from a good stitch to the perfect stitch these machines are famous for. I use Organ needles in my Bernina and Janome and in my Brother 1500. I use Singer needles in my FW, 301 and 99. I rarely use a size 14 in any of them. I use 8/12 or 70/10. I piece with 50wt 2 ply or thinner.