Needles for piecing
 

Hi. What are your favorite needles when piecing? Brand, type, and size, please. I'm heading to a retreat in a few weeks, and am in need of needles. I get confused with which needle to use (Universal, Microtex, Topstitch, etc.) and whether size matters and when. Thanks!

Needle selection can depend on a lot of things. I typically use a 10 Universal needle for piecing, I use a small stitch length. I will also use 12s for piecing but usually as a 2nd choice. Depending on the weave of the fabric, it might be first choice. I'm currently doing a test using So Fine thread, it's working out ok for me for piecing. I typically buy the Schmetz 3 packs with 10-12-14 needles.

When I'm piecing/quilting batiks or some other tightly woven fabrics, I really like those Microtex needles!

When I start quilting down again, I'll be doing some more tests with needle types. I usually use a 14+ on my domestic machine. My last top I used Jeans needle, didn't really notice any difference between it and universal.

are you hand piecing or using a machine, what type of fabric what type and weight of thread. all these make a difference

I use Schmetz or Organ needles in my machines. For piecing with Aurafil thread, I use 8012 Microtex needles. I always use Microtex needles. I fin them far superior to universal needles for most applications. I was told that they are sharper than universal needles and so pierce the fabric better. Whatever the reason, I like them! Needle size needs to be matched to your thread size for the best result. Schmetz has a guide on their website as to which needles and sizes to use with which fabrics and thread. Very handy!

Signiture or guterman thread with a 10 or 12 needle. I'm not particular on needle make, and neither is my machine. Have been using organ needles lately

Needle type and size are dependent on your project and thread ( weight, type); Superior Threads is a great resource with Free - printable pages that show what needles sizes and types to use with what thread weights and types. They also have Free pages explaining all the different types/ sizes of threads. You can learn a lot visiting their website

As I have a ton of 75/11 Schmetz from years ago I use those mostly for piecing. I also use them for embroidery as that's what I bought them for back then. So far I haven't have any trouble with them on my Viking Epic......except for 1 which kept falling out due to the neck of the needle was somehow smaller than normal. I guess it was a flaw out of a 100 needles I bought.

I use a 14/90 Organ needle. It is a nice fine needle to use and since it is considered a top stitch needle it it has a nice fine stitch. Very sharp.

I bought 100 14/90 needles at a dealers store and that was $ 20.00. that is 20 cents a piece if I figure correctly.
I will use the 14' for quilting and 12 for piecing.

Schmetz, 80/12 Microtex needle with 50 wt Aurifil thread also. These are the specs that agree with my Pfaff.
My BFF was thrilled to get all my spools of Guterman.

When piecing Denim I will use a Denim or Jeans needle and my Vintage Singer or Kenmore.

I second consulting the Superior knowledge base. I have found it very helpful. Bob from Superior has a YouTube channel and I find his presentations very easy to follow/understand.

For brand Organ is my favorite and Schmetz is my second.