Needles for machine piecing
 

I'm so bad about replacing my machine needle that I can't even remember the last time! When I checked my needle inventory, there are only Microtek 70/10 and 80/12. I know these are best for working with batiks, but should I go ahead and use them for regular quilting cotton too? Or do any of you have another favorite?

Thanks for all input. :)

Needle size depends on thread weight and ply. Batiks are tighter woven then regular cotton fabric so a microtek will be a good type of needle for both.

Either of those are fine for piecing. I usually piece with a 10 and quilt with a 12, sometimes up to a 14.

But I'm not that fussy either and if all I have are 12s, well I'll piece with them. Wouldn't try quilting with a 10 though...

Edit: I'm big on changing needles. They are cheap in comparison to fabric. Even if it is a new needle if you are having weird problems, change the needle again, it could have a manufacturing defect.

If you ever hear your machine going "pooka pooka" that means your needle is beyond dull and is punching holes in your fabric threads instead of cleverly sneaking in between them.

Ice - Wow, I heard that sound yesterday! I am so guilty. :eek::eek::eek:

LOL, Guilty here, too. I heard it last night on the LA when quilting a denim quilt...and told myself to change the needle for the next quilt!

I think most of us are guilty about not changing the needle enough. I plan on starting each new project with a new needle. Ok, maybe I'll do two baby quilts with the same needle. But it is one of the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to help us get good results, so buy a bunch when they are on sale and just go willy nilly with them!

If you haven't had it happen yet, it can be heartbreaking when using a dull needle and getting the thread pulls in your fabric :(

and "just go willy nilly"

You make me laugh!

Waaayyyy back when, a Joanns in a nearby largish city had a sewing machine shop in it. Maybe Viking? Anyhow, they accepted Joann's coupons! So I bought a box of 100. It's just now starting to look like I need to find another good sale. You know, so I can go willy nilly and not have to hear "pooka pooka".

No idea how to make laughing faces, but know I am!!

I have a Janome 6600 and as I sew it sounds like the needle has a somewhat blunt end and it is giving me a noise that I am not used to. Took it in and got it serviced but was wondering what is a good size needle to piece with on my machine? Any info would be appreciated.

Onebyone posted this thread earlier. Needles and thread go hand in hand.

https://www.quiltingboard.com/links-...t-t306603.html

I use Microtex needles exclusively. I have a lot better luck with them with all my machines. I usually use Aurafil 50 or 60 wt thread so I use an 80/12 for piecing. For quilting I use an 80/12 or 90/14 depending on what type of thread I am using and what thickness and type of fabrics I'm quilting.

I also change needles often. My standard is to change the needle after every project (unless the project is long/large then I'll change midway). Needles are cheap compared to machine repairs.

Cashs_Mom - that is good to know about the Microtex.......I guess I'm all stocked up then!

I took a four hour machine quilting class today. We use 80 wt thread on top and 50 wt in the bobbin. My. It was the best machine quilting I have done so far. Mistakes almost disappear making me look like a pro. LOL My needle was Organ 80/12 sharp and I used my regular class machine, a Brother 420. I use a Juki at home but it's too much trouble to take out of cabinet and down the stairs for a four hour class.

I use organ needles almost exclusively and have a warehouse close that I can buy many packs of needles (10 per pack) at a very inexpensive price and I change my needle after every project. Other than that I use #14 Janome needles for my emb. work

Bob at Superior Threads has a series on YouTube about thread and needles. He recommends topstitch needles almost exclusively. Here is a link to the YouTube channel. All of his videos are worth watching and very informative.

https://m.youtube.com/user/SuperiorThreads

My favorite is the Microtex 80/12. I use them for piecing and machine embroidery. A recent purchase of 50 of them and the needle box is quite happy!

I piece with a Janome 6500MC and when using it I will only use Superior Titanium Coated Needles (Topstitch 90/14). I quilt with a Janome 1600P and will only use one of to different brands of needles in it. Either a Schmetz HLx5 High Speed or a Superior Topstitch 80/12. Of course in both machines I only use 50 wt thread.

lindaschipper - thanks for the info - I sew almost exclusively on a Janome MC6600.

I get my needles online from Amazon, 100 at a time for a great price... I was surprised when they came as 10 pkts. of 10 needles each. I was expecting a bigger container of all 100 loose. Very happy with these needles... I got the titanium ones after talking with the store that sold and repairs my Janome.

I don't understand me.
I'll drop a lot of money on fabric but always wait too long to change needles, rotary blades etc. I need to be more diligent about those things.

I only use Microtex, usually the size 12 and 10. I do have a few ballpoint and a stretch. For my quilting cotton and batiks I use Microtex only. I've never had a problem.

That's a big needle to use for piecing. I use a 90/14 for thread that is 40 wt.