Sewing with Batiks
#1
Sewing with Batiks
I am working on a project using Batiks, and found when I have to rip out a seam, the needle I'm using creates a big hole, even though I just put a new one in. (Universal 80/12).
I went to a quilt store today, and 3 of the ladies said they all use a Universal, 80/12, also.
I looked it up on the internet, and it was suggested to use a "Sharp" or a "Microtex" 70/10. I happened to have a Superior Topstitch 80/12 on hand, (thinking it was a "Sharp"), and I couldn't believe the difference. My sewing machine hummed along like it was gliding through butter.
I was wondering what has been your experience with sewing Batiks. Do you use the same needle you use for regular quilter's cotton, or do you switch to a "Sharp".
Thanks in advance!
I went to a quilt store today, and 3 of the ladies said they all use a Universal, 80/12, also.
I looked it up on the internet, and it was suggested to use a "Sharp" or a "Microtex" 70/10. I happened to have a Superior Topstitch 80/12 on hand, (thinking it was a "Sharp"), and I couldn't believe the difference. My sewing machine hummed along like it was gliding through butter.
I was wondering what has been your experience with sewing Batiks. Do you use the same needle you use for regular quilter's cotton, or do you switch to a "Sharp".
Thanks in advance!
#2
Banned
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Victorian Sweatshop Forum
Posts: 4,096
I always use a sharp needle when sewing cotton or other woven fabrics and a ball point when sewing knits. I was taught when learning to sew that a universal needle is universally good for nothing.
Cari
Cari
#3
I change my needle according to what I'm sewing - Sharp or Microtex for batiks and appliqué, Quilting for layers and piecing (and of course quilting, lol), Topstitch/Metallic for metallics etc. I've recently tried the titanium Topstitch and quite like it. The test will be to see how long it lasts.
As an aside - I was recently at a quilting class. A new lady proudly announced that she'd never had to change a needle in the 25 years or she'd had the machine............. Not often I'm lost for words!
As an aside - I was recently at a quilting class. A new lady proudly announced that she'd never had to change a needle in the 25 years or she'd had the machine............. Not often I'm lost for words!
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
I never use top stitch needles, I use sharps and sometimes universals for general sewing in the size appropriate for the thread I am using. If doing any specialty sewing I use the needle appropriate for the task ( metallic for metallic thread, embroidery, ball point for knits, etc. )
#6
Topstitch has a bump on the shaft to open up the fabric and will make a bigger hole. It is used for quilting. You want to use microtex or sharp. It sounds like you might also need a thinner thread like aurifil. I use 80/12 microtex and I use mainly Hoffman or Walmart batiks.
#7
I use a microtex for almost everything quilting related. I got them for use with batiks, but like the long taper for quilting and they're a dream for accurate piecing. When I first started (early 1970's), the universal needle was, well, universally accepted. Today, there are much more appropriate choices.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
I find out the same way you did that the smaller needle is much better for batiks. I asked at the LQS and they all said the superior threads titanium needle.... I figured out that was a self serving recommendation and changed to the 70/10 and it made a much smaller hole. Sometimes I use a 70/8 and have very good results. the last thing I want when I take out stitching is to have the evidence ( the holes) permanently documenting my error. Unlike regular quilting cotton the holes from a larger needle do not disappear when washed.
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