I printed that color chart, and for sure will put it in my cabinet drawer! Thanks for the clear and concise reference:)

Buy yourself a metal tin from a second hand store to store needles in, but in their package so you will know brand, size, etc. Organ brand needles are good to have around, as are Superior. Packages don't take up much room in that tin and you should always have a fresh one ready and handy.

Several questions have popped up in this discussion. I have the Schmetz chart in a drawer where I store my needles. I also have all of the information from Superior Threads. Uncle Bob is very knowledgeable. I store my needles in a drawer that I equipped with little compartments from a kitchen items. I keep them separated into compartments. I keep a red tomato pin cushion on my sewing table that I marked with a Sharpie with size numbers. It has one or two of the most used sizes. I always know what needle is in my machine because I put a special pin in its place on the tomato. I like the titanium needles. I only throw away a needle if it breaks or if it gets a burr because I stitched over a pin (never on purpose!). I do think using the proper needle is important.

It is amazing how often we are having a 'problem' with our stitches and finally decide to change the needle - PROBLEM GONE! The easiest and cheapest of fixes and yet, we don't do it often enough. I am always telling myself that I will become one of those folks who automatically change the needle with a new project, and then I don't do it. Machine works harder, stitches go funny and then I remember to change it. And suddenly things are great again. How old do I have to be before I learn......

Thank you for this information. I too never know which needle to use.

Wow Leta, thanks, this will be very helpful!

Thanks! I printed one to put by my needle display at the store.

Yes I think the titanium needles do last much longer. I use the Topstitch needles size 12-14 from Superior threads for all my piecing when quilting.

Wow Leta, awesome information. Thanks for sharing.

When I had a leaky shower I was moaning about needing a plumber and a friend of mind said just try changing the shower head. I did and it worked. Like you said DO THE EASIEST THING FIRST. So I try to remember that saying whenever anything doesn't work right and generally things get fixed.