Using different needles?
 

Okay, I saw a post recently that talked about sewing machine needles being color-coded and having numbers on them and people were talking about ways they kept their needles straight. Do you consistently use different needles for different tasks? (I generally use one needle for everything - it sounds like that's wrong.) What needle should I be using for FMQ, for piecing, for applique?

i very rarely change the type of needle that i use on a machine. but.... i do have different needle types in my various machines LOL

The needle size is usually chosen based on the thread you're using. (Of course the thread should be chosen based on the fabric used, and the task.) Superior has a thread reference guide that gives the suggested needle size for their threads. http://www.superiorthreads.com/media...guide-home.pdf Also see the Schmetz needles info - http://www.schmetzneedles.com/schmetz-needle-primer/

I use a universal 80/12 for the majority of my tasks (piecing cottons, quilting with 50wt thread). I do change needles if the situation calls for it ... heavier weight thread (30wt and lower) and metallic thread are just two examples of when I change the needle. You should also change to a different type of needle (ball point) for certain applications like jersey knits, and use a microtex for fabrics like silks and lame.

I have a small collections of Schmetz needles. Before Schmetz came out with "Quilting" needles, I used their Sharp needles but I looked at them and they have a touch of purple on them. Before the Sharps were available, I used there Universal needles which I noticed HAVE no color. They are the oldest needles I own. Neither do any of my Metallica needles have any color on them. I normally use the Quilting needle most of the time unless I use metallic thread which then the Metallica needles are best since they have a bigger hole for the thread. Hope this helps.

I use Organ Titanium coated needles sold by Superior threads for all my machines . I match the needle to the thread.

I use several different needles. The one type I don't have and will never buy is universal. I have microtex, quilting, top stitch, jersey, jeans and probably a couple more I don't remember.

Thanks for all your help. I really appreciate it!

Titanium 90/14 for machine embroidery. Twin needles come in various sizes too.

sandy

Schmetz recently introduced the color coding. There is an App for them, too.

sandy