Universal needles
 

What is the most commonly used size of sewing machine needles for piecing?

Microtex 80/12 are my go to needle for piecing and topstitching. My service tech gave me the tip that the 80/12 works best with my particular sewing machine. And I found this to be true.

Another Microtex 80/12 girl here too. My machine kept shredding the thread and the LQS owner gave me a pack to try. That has become the everyday needle I use for sewing and embroidery now.

PS: Another cause of the shredding was the default setting for the foot height was changed...I don't know how or who but they live in this house. Once the dealer re-set the default all is well. LOL!

Another Microtex 80/12 user here but honestly my Juki isn't too picky.

Some new information at a Bernina class. The needle threader may be bent with a 75 size needle and probably bent with a 70 needle. My fav has been 70 but with my eyesight, I need the needle threader. For quilting I prefer sharp/microtex over universal. Tostitch and quilting needles are also OK. Schmitz has loads of info re their needles on their webside: shape of point, length of eye, the shaft.....

I piece with Bottom Line, so I usually use a 70 needle. I've had no problems threading these with the automatic needle threader on my Bernina. If I use a heavier thread then I switch to the 80 needles.

i use mostly organ brand, size 76/11.
for piecing, i just about never need to go higher than 80/12.

I'm another that rarely goes higher than 80/12.

BTW - "universal" refers to the point on the needle. That is one that works sort of ok with a wide variety of fabric. You can get them with a sharper point for heavier fabric, or with a rounder point for knits, and there are others.

Needles have Systems (what machines they fit) sizes (basically how thick the needle is ) and point types. Most modern domestic machines use the same system, but when you get into vintage or industrial, there's a lot out there!

I also like an 80 needle for piecing, usually a sharp. The 90 needles leave bigger holes, in my opinion.

Just received an email with a link to this chart by Superior Threads - great thread and needle info that I thought might be helpful to this discussion.

https://storage.googleapis.com/vw-su...ce=customer.io