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Quote:

Originally Posted by MZStitch

I'm starting to quilt my latest quilt, my first batik. The salesperson at the sewing machine store told me I need "sharps" to quilt a batik. So I took my universal needle out, put my new "sharp" needle in and had to do numerous tear outs before finally getting rid of the sharp and putting a new universal needle back in. Argh, that was a waste of money. I'll have to look for metallic needles and give them a try!

that is odd...what thread where you using? and by batiks were they Joann/Hancocks or were they REAL batiks from Hoffman, Princess Mirah?..there is a difference...

I use Microtex on batiks they make a tinier hole in the fabric...I also use 50wt thread!

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaciqltznok

Quote:

Originally Posted by MZStitch

I am using a varigated Metler thread 50wt. My fabric is all real batiks, including Hoffman all bought at top price at a local quilt shop! I can't tell you what size the sharp needle was because I was so mad I threw the whole package away, lol. The saleslady had helped me pick my varigated thread though, so she knew I was using the needles to do my free mothion quilting so I assume it was the right size. Now that I switched back to a univeral needle my stitches are just fine!

So would 17/90 Microtex needles be able to be used for everything?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raggiemom

So would 17/90 Microtex needles be able to be used for everything?

they should, be this why you must always practice on a sample sandwich..every needle/thread combination will vary not only by machine but by the fabrics used, the batting used, and by the person doing the FMQ....

If you're serious about learning about needles for different threads and jobs, check out this book. It's been in my reference files for years and was used daily in my former shop.

http://pointwelltakenbook.com/

Jan Bennett-Collier

here is the link when I posted about becoming "needle savy"
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-123199-1.htm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jan in VA

Many thanks for the ref - just ordered it

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaciqltznok

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raggiemom

So would 17/90 Microtex needles be able to be used for everything?

Thanks so much for this advice, am about to quilt my first project - a Canadian Comfort and remembrance project quilt on my new Bernina Aurora 450 with their BSR, with some trepidation I might add! I suppose I should make a few sandwiches and try out the pattern for the leaves as well as what I want to do with the sashing. The leaves are traditionally pieced all cotton, the sashing blackwatch flannel so perhaps I should different needles. Hmmm... so much to consider!

This has been one of the most informative threads. Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge. Definitely bookmarking this page.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elisabethann

I've been practicing FMQ and was getting frustrated. I couldn't get my tension right and the thread kept breaking and the stitches just didn't look right. Then I remembered in a class I took with Judy Irish she said she only uses Microtex metalic needles. For everything, not just FMQ. So, I changed needles and poof... all my problems were gone :) Stitches are more consistant, thread doesn't break and tension is good!

Off to have some more FMQ fun :)

I know this is a basic question for you but how do you know what needle to use in your machine. Do you use a different needle for piecing and one for applique? How about FMQ? I look at the needles and really need some direction.

Thanks a bunch.

Diane