Needles
 

I had bought a Janome New Home from a lady awhile back. I had a sears before. I broke my needle the other day on the janome and I was wondering do I have to use their brand name of needle or can I use any kind? Also what gauge for sewing quilttops and pieceing.

You can use any standard sewing machine needles. I use 80/12 for piecing and 90/14 for quilting.

I use any i have around. the dealer will tell you to use theirs or you'll have a problem, in 50 yrs, I never had a problem with a generic needle. it's a money making business

I use Schmetz 80/12 universal needles that I get bulk on Amazon. Last time I bought I got 100 needles for $28. I use them for pretty much everything except denim or heavy canvas, for those I use 100/16 jeans needles.

Needles should be the same regardless of brand. The size of needle depends on your thread size. Generally, for piecing, you want to use a thin thread -- 50/3, 50/2 or 60/3. For 50/3, a size 80/12 is usually best. For 50/2 or 60/3, you can use a size 70/10 most of the time (my preference is Aurifil 50/2 thread with Schmetz 70/10 Microtex needle).
For quilting, you can use the same set-up, or you might like a thicker thread so it shows up more on the quilt top -- of course, that also means any little mistakes will also show up more. Most often, I use Aurifil 40/2 thread with either a Microtex or Quilting needle size 80/12 by Schmetz. I've also used Klase needles & they work nicely, but I prefer the Schmetz because (1) I can buy them with a coupon at JAF and (2) they are color coded so I always know what type & size of needle I have on my machine.

I use Organ needles in almost all of my machines. Janome needles are packaged Organ needles. I buy size 11 and 14 sharps in bulk for about $12 per hundred.

Cari

Oh Thank you all for this info I really appreciate it very much. I had some Schmetz needles but I wanted to check first. Thank you again this is why I love this board so much help.

I use Organ topstitch needles in all my machines. Topstitch needles are easier to thread with a larger eye. I also use them when I am in embroidery mode. I piece and embroidery with an 80/12 and machine quilt with a 90/14

Where do you get them, please. I have not found organ needles, and it is said my janome likes them best.
I believe it because I have issues with many other needles and when I insert janome needles I have no problems. Since organ needles are janome needles I would be happy to buy them in bulk, as I pay about 7 dollars for 5 janome needles at the quilt shop.thank you for your help.
Gaby

These two videos on YouTube by Superior Thread and DR. Bob really helped me understand needles better and I often share them because I think the two videos were done so well. This is a link to the first video, enjoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U48srIlnWg