I watched this video a couple of years ago and have used topstitch titanium coated needles ever since. What he says is correct...you do not have to change your needles very often and it makes the self threading option on your machine easier to use since the eye is elongated. That alone is worth using it...lol.

I also make my husbands shirts. I have always used Schmetz needles. A while back I noticed they were not sewing well. Found out the needles are now made in Mexico instead of Germany. Will be changing to Organ needles. Do you use Top Stitch needles for piecing too?

I use these needles and they're great. Have had the same needle in the machine for many months now. When I started sewing I followed the advice offered on the board advocating frequent needle changes and did that with the first few titanium ones until I thought to myself I was being daft changing a needle unnecessarily when it was still perfectly sharp. I've broke a couple but that was because I forgot to put the correct foot on the arm when changing stitches. So far haven't had to replace one because it was less sharp or bent.

I agree that Organ needles are great. Have always bought my
needles from www.AllStitch.net

That was so interesting. I have seen him at some quilt shows and am always impressed with his knowledge (and his threads).

This is what I thought. Type of needle shouldn't cause the fabric to get sucked into hole in needle plate. Sometimes I've heard the wider plate being referred to as the embroidery needle plate. Use the "straight stitch needle plate" with just the single small hole for the needle to run through & that should solve the problem.

Titanium needles are a great option. I'm just not sure they're the solution in this case.

Just watched the video...11 minutes well spent. Am ordering my assorted pack from Superior today. I have no fewer than 10 plastic packets of needles in various sized, etc and am constantly confused about what to use when. This approach will save so much time and aggravation for me as far as needles are concerned. Thanks to you all for sending this around!

I use Superior Titanium needles and they work fine. I did break one, but it didn't shatter. In fact, it stayed in 2 pieces.

I had never heard of titanium needles, but the shears I bought that have titanium blades seem to cut much smoother than regular shears, so it makes sense that the needles would be as good. Got to go find some.

I watched the video also. Thanks for sharing with us. I'll definitely look for the Topstitch titanium needles.