Do I need to use a ballpoint needle to sew T-shirts into a quilt?
Merry Christmas to everyone!

I didn't, I've made several and just used a regular needle.

Thanks so much for your fast reply.
I need to have them done by New Years.
Merry Christmas!

Good Luck and Merry Christmas.

good luck

I just finished making two of them and just used a regular needle!! I didn't have any problems!

I think it depends on your machine. Some machines are picky. I made 7 tshirt quilts and had alot of issue with breaking thread, then someone suggested I use the ballpoint needle and viola! it solved my problem. Merry Christmas

OK I guess if I can get to the fabric store I'll buy ballpoints just in case.
Thanks :thumbup:

I think if you use interfacing on the back so they don't stretch, then a regular needle is what you need. However, if you are just sewing through the knit, a ball point needle will be better.

I use a regular needle and a walking foot.

Good advice.

I have used both regular and ball point needles. Had good luck with both. Happy t-shirt quilting

You can use a universal needle--just not a sharps and they cut the thread instead of sliding along side them.

Good luck getting it done in time. Happy new year.

I love my walking foot. Makes a Big difference on stretchy clothes.

when poly-knits first came out, ball-points were the only way to go -- I still have some so would use them with any knits, it avoids splitting treads and causing it to run/ladder, like panty hose/tights.

You need to remember you are sewing on a knit and it has always been suggested that you use a ball point needle with knits. You may not see the tiny "pick" that a sharp needle causes in the knit, but later after washing and drying some, it will show up as a tiny hole. Just to be safe, I would use a ball point--probably a size 12 or so.

Merry Christmas all,

I used a "jeans" needle for mine. It worked really well

it depends ... really. if you use your regular needle with out problems, then that's your answere...and if you are using a non-woven interfacing on the t-shirts that helps. if you find you are 'catching' on the knit, having any puckering/pulling or not using an interfacing then you may find you need a knit/stretch needle. (ball-point)

I have made several T-Shirt quilts and used a regular needle.DGD's quilt had been washed and had no problems with holes.Good luck and have fun.

Sew with universal needle and you'll be fine going through the knits and the wovens. I always use flannel as my sashing when making t-shirt quilts. Oh and the long armers really do not want to quilt them. I use zig-zag or a small curvy stitch to quilt these.

I have found a regular needle works fine.

[quote=pegquilter8] I always use flannel as my sashing when making t-shirt quilts. quote]


Would flannel be good for backing too?

Good Luck and Happy New Year to everyone.

Gosh, I never thought of flannel for sashing. How does it do for not stretching and for durability? Do you have a photo of one you have used flannel within?