Needle size advice
 

What is the best size needle to use for machine embroidery on cotton quilting fabric? I have a Brother Dreamweaver XE machine.

I just use an 11

I bought 100 of the Organ HAx130EB 80/12 from Allbrands. They stay sharp forever in my Brother Innovis 4000D.

http://www.allbrands.com/categories/1742

Years ago, I made this comment in some notes:

Using - Organ HAx130EB 80/12
Size 11 Organ HAx130EBBR or HAX130EB Needles recommended for all embroidery because the smaller needle is better for dense embroidery. Size 14 only for thicker, dense fabrics

I think Carol who was working at Allbrands at that time, told me this. I have only used the size 80/12's and have been more than happy with them. They last forever and do some great piecing, along with embroidery!

If the place you bought your machine from also sells the big 6 & 10 needle machines, which is what these needles were designed for, they should be able to give you the best needle for you. I would make sure it is titanium.

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I use a size 11 sharp needle with 40wt. thread. For very small and/or very dense designs I use 60wt. thread with a size 9 sharp needle.

Cari

We just went to an Anita Goodesign workshop. They use 75/11 embroidery needles on all their work. My LQS evidently sells them in quantities of 100. The Schmetz brand.

It depends on the thread being used, your needle size/type needs to correspond with the thread choice. Visit Superior Threads website, you can download, print free charts showing what size type needle to use with the different weights/types of threads

It does depend on the thread and especially if you are sewing batiks because they have a much tighter weave. I have always used Schmetz needles especially since they offer such a variety of needle types and sizes.