What needle size for dense embroidery?
 

I just got a Brother PE 770 embroidery machine and have a lot to learn! I have been using the size 11 Organ needle that came with the machine. How will I know when a design is denser and may require a larger needle, e.g. 14? What signs do I look for that my needle is not the right size for the design? TIA

I use a 14 for everything except redwork type of designs :D:D:D

If you have really thick fabric, you need to go to the "denim or leather needle". Try your largest size first. You might also invest in the some of the large eye needles. I use them for my 75/11's too. Keeps thread from fraying and breaking. Hard to find though! Organ makes them but many dealers don't carry the large eye.

I also am new to embroidery. I got the PE770 for christmas and promised my swimteam that I would embroider the school's name on their jackets. (32 kids).
I contacted Brother USA and they sent me a very nice e-mail. They recommended to use size 14 needle. The jackets were 100% polyester and had a very dense weave. I did have trouble with the machine embroidery thread though. It kept on breaking. I guess it shredded because of the density. I ended up using 100% all purpose thread and they came out beautiful. Thank goodness, I did not ruin one single one. I admit being very nervous. Now I can play. I just made a lace ornament bell. Used size 11 needle and had embroidery thread which I could not use on jackets in both top and bobbin. It came out beautiful. In other words, try different things!!!
p.s. love my PE770

Thanks for the help (once again!) :)

I do a lot of embroidery. My machine (Pfaff 2170} is very sensitive to dense designs. I use a topstitch needle for those designs. It has a larger eye, a sharper point and a longer grove. I have used both 14 and 16. It really makes a difference and the thread doesn' t break. Also slow your machine down.

Hi,

I would slow down the speed of my embroidery machine for a real dense design also.

Bev

I use a 14 unless the design is very dense, then I slow the speed down and switch to an 11 needle. Sounds crazy I know but if the fabric is cotton and the stitching is dense, the smaller size needle seems to work better - at least for me!

I either use a 90/14 or 80/12 needle for embroidery. They seem to work good for me.

I don't think I have the option to slow down the speed on my Brother PE 770. At least, I haven't read anything about it in the manual.