Needle size and brand question Brother PQ1500
 

I just bought a Brother PQ1500!! It came with a package of Organ needles. Not being familiar with that brand I just wondered about using them. Also, what size is best for piecing and quilting and should I use titanium needles?

Congrats on the new machine. I used that machine when working in an alterations shop. Organ is just another brand of needle. I prefer Schmetz needles. As for piecing a quilt, size 10 or 12 is good to use. For quilting I would suggest a 14 or 16 needle size. Using the titanium needle is strickly preference. I have used both and really have not be able to distinguish much difference. Have fun with the new machine!

Japan steel is the best steel for pins and needles and Organ brand is the best. That's why every new machine comes with Organ needles. I have this machine and I use Titanium coated Topstitch Organ needles sold by Superior Threads. I usually use size 90, 80, and 70. depending on my thread weight. Titanium needles stay sharp much longer then regular needles.

I prefer Schmetz needles too. They are easier to purchase. I use their Quilting specialty needles for my older Bernina.

My Daughter has that machine and uses the organ needles. I have two different machines and use organ needles also. All three machines came with the organ needles. Other needles don't always use any and all needles.
I always use needles that came with the machine. Never have a problem ordering needles.

I use Organ needles, they work perfectly fine.

I agree with Crashnquilt about the sizes - 12 or 14 for piecing, 16 or 18 for quilting. If I use a 12 or 14 for quilting, I get skipped stitches. I also use topstitch needles, they have a larger eye and longer scarf.

Congrats on your new machine! I LOVE mine. You might consider joining the Yahoo group, there is a lot of information in the files and plenty of helpful, knowledgeable people willing to answer questions.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PQ1500/info

Needle size depends on the weight of the thread being used. Visit Superior Threads-- they have free tutorials to teach you all about needles and thread. I use Schmetz and Organ needles, think I even have some titaniums. Sharps are often my ( go-to) choice, I do have & use at times top stitch and universal needles and metallics if using metallic thread.

Organ needles and Superior needles are made by the same company in Japan but come in different packages.
Topstitch needles are recommended by Superior Threads. Go to their website to learn more than you ever wanted to
know about needles.

This is a good source for Organ needles. http://discountembroiderysupply.com

I have a Brother combo Sewing/Embroidery machine. Years ago, I needed some new needles and AllBrands recommended the Organ HAx130EB 80/12. (The description says it is for commercial embroidery machines.) I bought a pack of 100 needles, sorted into 10 per pack from them. These needles are absolutely wonderful. One needle will last through piecing at least 10 quilts. They almost never get dull. I am more likely to break a needle hitting a pin than have one go dull. I had always used the Schmetz needles prior to that. That was all I could get at the local fabric stores. Now, they just sit in the drawer as an emergency backup, gracefully aging quietly.

I have this machine, and I absolutely love it! I hope you do, too. For quilting, I recommend getting stretch needles. That was something that was recommended by one of the members of the PQ1500 group on Yahoo, and it made a world of difference for me. No more skipped stitches!

Here's a link to the group: https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/PQ1500/