Topstitch Needles for quilting tops
 

I am taking a craftsy "making a large quilt on a small machine" (or something like that ), she recommends using clear thread on the top for sitd and using a topstitch 80-12 needle for doing this. Before I buy both of these, does any one else use these notions? Or can I achieve the same results using my regular thread (essential) and my #14 needles? Thanks, I read that the topstitch needle eye is more slender, I understand that, but is it totally necessary?

I never use invisible thread for quilting. It's just too big of a pain. Plus it doesn't make as nice of a stitch with the larger needles. I always use topstitch needles for quilting. The eye is bigger on topstitch needles. If you go to Superior Thread's website they have a needle chart that tells you all about all the different needles and how to match them to the thread and project you're using.

Since I've switched to Topstitch needles for piecing and SID I haven't
gone back to quilting needles. I also use Essential thread and find
the Topstitch needles work better with this thread.

I NEVER use monofilament(clear) thread for anything. I absolutely hate it. What I started using for the actual quilting is the machine embroidery thread, I use Connecting Threads Essentials for the piecing, it's a little linty but you can't beat the price and I just clean the bobbin area for every 2 bobbins used.

I never use invisible thread either -- it is a real pain to work with. I also use only topstitch needles for everything now & I have less thread breakage. I find that a 90/14 topstitch needle is what is in my machine almost all the time, for piecing and for quilting. Maybe I should be using an 80/12 more often, but I just go with whatever thread and needle combination my machines seem to like for the project I'm working on.

Oh, and is a topstitch needle totally necessary? In my opinion, no. I only started using them recently when having thread breakage issues and the longer hole solved this problem. I really haven't noticed any difference in actual stitching on fabric so I can't speak to that. I just like being able to use any thread I want without breakage issues and the topstitch needles have solved that problem for me like no other solution or adjustment to machine, etc.

I use Topstitch needles for everything. The longer eye gives your thread more room to interact with the bobbin hook when quilting through the quilt sandwich so stitches are better. I don't like nonviolent thread, either. It has too much curl. I quilt with cotton, polyester and silk threads. I like the effects I get with different thread types.

Unless the quilt is for a baby or for someone in a nursing home, I almost always use Aurifil monofilament thread. I have never had a problem using it. As for needles, I use topstitch sometimes; but I have also used quilting and micro. Those three work fine for me.

Unlike others experience with monofilament thread i have have had nothing but success after switching to Superiors MonoPoly. I had problems with nylon and the thread on skinny pools. When I quilt I use MonoPoly for SID to anchor blocks up/down then across back nd forth. This anchors the blocks and mkes them behave before doing the FMQ with thread of my choice with toostitch needles only. Thats all I buy. If uou go to superiorthreads.com they have amazing info. They will tell you how to use all their products. I might mention that you need to turn down your tension and dont use the thread cutter if you have one. The thread will spring back and needle will become unthreaded.

I've never had a problem with monofilament thread either. I love the stuff. It really makes the fact that a meander around the ditch like a drunk driver much less noticeable.

I plan on using superior monopoly, and topstitch needles, I will give it a try on a sample. I think.