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

I use 14 for piecing and 16 for quilting. Organ brand needles, don't pay attention to the 90 or whatever.

I usually use 80/12 needles. I took 2 classes with Amanda Murphy a few weeks ago (ruler work & free motion) and the class supply list listed 90/14 needles. I've honestly never considered the differences unless I'm working with denim.

Microtex 80/12 is my go to for piecing but I do use 75/11 for Batiks. I just read somewhere that it is good to change your needle out after 5 bobbins but that seems like a long time. Does anyone change their needles out more often?

The majority of my needles are 90/14.

The size of your needle depends on the thread type/ weight you are using. Superior threads has some great ( free) information sheets that explain needles and threads. They are a great resource.

these are my favorite too

I think 80/12's are winning.

Watson

I have used a variety of needles, some with better success. For FMQ I like an 80/12 top stitch. I think that is what my cone of Superior Variegated thread said to use with it. But, I've used that before. I've never had luck with a universal needle in my machines. Can't say why. Maybe it is me.

Seems like many of us like the Microtex 80/12! I just got more of them from Amazon at 5 pks for $16.99

80/12 for piecing, 90/14 for FMQ. Sharps only, not "universal".

I use an 80/12 Microtex (I almost never use universal needles) in all my machines for piecing. With 50 wt thread I get the best result that way. One thing you do have to remember is that a lot depends on what thread you are using and somewhat on the machine you are using.

Totally agree .............. and the fabric being used can affect the needle decision too.

I just read this line in the pdf "Vanish-Lite 60 wt. Water-soluble thread (dissolves in water when washed). Notrecommended for swimsuits" :D Just got a good laugh!

Well, I guess it wouldn't be recommended for swimsuits. Thanks for the laugh:D

Organ70/10 sharp for the Juki. I like the small holes, particularly with a short stitch length.

hugs,
charlotte

I like to use a top stitch needle because the eye is larger. I usually test my thread to see which size works best (thread a needle that is not in the machine, hold onto both ends of the thread and swing the needle back and forth to see if the thread moves smoothly -- I use the smallest size needle that works for the thread. I have also caught burs in the eye of a needle before it shredded my thread when I was sewing).