I am looking for a method to identlfy what size a machine needle is when it isn't in the package or a find it in a pin cushion. I think I remember way back when they used colors on the shank that identified the size. It is impossible to read a size if it were printed on the needle.

A magnifying glass doesn't help to see the info on the shank? Mine is from a Cracker Box (way back when...).

some of us cannot see it even with magnification

I took a pin cushion and used a Sharpie to divide it into portions, marking each portion with a # &/or style of needle. Only the needles I would use again go there. I know at a glance what I have and can use other than new needles.

ali

Do you have a friend with better eyesight?

That's a good idea. Thanks

Found this on Ask.com I searched under sewing machine needle color code and got a few different answers based on the brand. I learned something new today!

Singer color codes
Singer colors its needles with a system of color codes which indicate the needle's type:

Shank color Point type
red regular, for woven
yellow ball, for knits
blue heavy-duty, for denim
brown chisel, for leather
Shoulder color Shaft size
green 9 (thinnest)
orange 11
blue 14
purple 16 (thickest)

Kenmore color codes
Kenmore colors its needles with a different system of color codes which indicate the needle's size:

Shank color Shaft size Shaft size (europe)
blue 11 75
orange 12 80
red 14 90
purple 16 100
green 18 110

Schmetz Color Codes
The colored band on some types of Schmetz needles indicates the needle type. [2]

Shank color Type
yellow Stretch
blue Jeans
green Quilting
red Embroidery
purple Microtex (sharp)

LOL - DITTO :(

Thanks for all the details. I use Schmetz beause that is the only kind that Joann's sell and they have no markings. I will check the website you noted and see where I might buy with the color coding. Thanks for the detailed info.

I tried that marked pin cushion method. That only told me what's in the pin cushion. I still didn't know what was actually in the machine. So I bought a craft organizer thingy at JoAnn's that's just the right size to hold machine needle packages. The orange button is what's in the Janome and the red button is for what's in the Pfaff. The red button compartment is empty because that whole package of needles is in the tool compartment on the Pfaff. But if I change it to a needle that's not out of that package I'll move the button.