What needle do you use to piece and to quilt?
I am wondering about size as well as type, as in universal, denim and so forth...........

I like the Schmetz Microtex for piecing and their Quilting needles for quilting. If I'm using a specialty thread, like a 30wt rayon or a metallic, I use the recommeded needle. A topstitching needle is good for a heavier thread weight, too.

Try some of these sites:
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/...dle-and-thread
http://www.superiorthreads.com/page/330/
http://sewing.about.com/od/sewingmac...nformation.htm

the superior threads site has me asking this question.....one article on it states that the most used needle is a topstitch, to be used for piecing and quilting.

Interesting. Which article was it? I notice in the reference chart for the specialty threads the topstitch needle is recommended for almost everything. A good and safe choice, because you could change thread weights pretty radically without having to change your needle. It's amazing how much there is to learn, and how much the small choices affect the outcome!
What do you usually use? What I hear most often is 'buy the best quality needles you can find and change them often'. I probably don't change mine as often as I should, but I did start buying only Schmetz . The LQS had someone come in and do a lecture on thread and needles last year. She had microscopic photos of different brands of needles. It was amazing the difference in finish and smoothness between the cheap ones and the better quality.

Here's some interesting info:
http://thesewbox.com/f/Sewing_Machine_Needles.pdf

I switched to Superior Titanium coated top stitch needles. They last 5 to 8 times longer then regular sewing needles so they save more money then they cost. They are made by Organ, the best needle manufacturer. You can get a free one at
I Have A Notion online blog/store.

I can't post a link, I keep getting message error notice when I do.

The link is www.IHaveANotiononlineblog/store.com

That link doesn't work. I cannot post it. The post will not accept the link for me. :?: :?: I'll try this way.

ihaveanotiondotblogspotdotcom

I use schmetz microtex sharp 80/12 for piecing and schmetz jeans 80/12 for machine quilting. I got these suggestions from a Paula Reid quilting video. I'd like to try the topstitching needles for machine quilting someday.

I use 12 and 9 size golden eye needles for hand quilting and hand patching.
This is a link of the betweens wich is size 9.
http://www.clewbayquilting.com/clove...eens-p-45.html

For machine quilting I use only regular needles, the cheapest I can get.