Sewing machine needles for quilting
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Northeast
Posts: 628

Another Schmetz needle user here. The Schmetz needle I use is the HLx5 High Speed Art. 1842, size 90/14. My machine is a BabyLock Accomplice. It is a high speed, straight stitch machine. I usually by them from a couple of different quilting sites online as that's the only places (quilting shops or Schmetz themselves) where I can find them.
This was the needle recommended to me when I purchased my machine. I was told to make sure that whatever needle I used, if I didn't use this one, to make sure that it was a high speed needle.
This was the needle recommended to me when I purchased my machine. I was told to make sure that whatever needle I used, if I didn't use this one, to make sure that it was a high speed needle.
#14
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 3,685

quiltsfor...thank you for the information. I've used these needles before in my Janome 1600P, don't remember why I got away from them. I've ordered 2 pkgs of the 90/14 and one package of size 16. Two weeks before I can get them...guessing Amazon is super busy!
#15
Member
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 6
#16
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,184

I agree with the recommendation of using a size 16 or 18 for quilting. It has nothing to do with speed, and there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't use that size on a DSM.
I've owned both a Janome 1600 and a Brother 1500, they're essentially the same machine. I started out quilting on the Brother and found that I needed a size 16 or 18 to avoid skipped stitches. THAT'S the reason why you need to use larger needles. Smaller needles will flex and skip picking up the bobbin thread. A 16 or 18 is large and thick enough that it won't flex as you're moving either the quilt on a DSM, or the sew head on a longarm. And as someone else stated, 18 is standard for longarming. When I bought my Innova longarm, my dealer included 100 Groz-Beckert size 18 needles, which is also what all of my longarm friends use. For those who fret about the size of the holes, if you've ever quilted "by check", chances are very very good your quilt was quilted with a size 18 needle.
You can buy the Groz-Beckert needles on Superior's website, longarm supply sites, and sometimes quilt shops (not box stores) will carry them.
I've owned both a Janome 1600 and a Brother 1500, they're essentially the same machine. I started out quilting on the Brother and found that I needed a size 16 or 18 to avoid skipped stitches. THAT'S the reason why you need to use larger needles. Smaller needles will flex and skip picking up the bobbin thread. A 16 or 18 is large and thick enough that it won't flex as you're moving either the quilt on a DSM, or the sew head on a longarm. And as someone else stated, 18 is standard for longarming. When I bought my Innova longarm, my dealer included 100 Groz-Beckert size 18 needles, which is also what all of my longarm friends use. For those who fret about the size of the holes, if you've ever quilted "by check", chances are very very good your quilt was quilted with a size 18 needle.
You can buy the Groz-Beckert needles on Superior's website, longarm supply sites, and sometimes quilt shops (not box stores) will carry them.
#17
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 3,685

Thank you Peckish...I'm going back and ordering the size 18 that you recommended. Amazon has the DB x1 #18 needles for $23 and change for 100 of them. I'm tired of pulling my hair out over skipped stitched when I quilt. it's going to be a long hard winter and I plan on doing a lot of sewing in my retirement.
Last edited by lindaschipper; 11-19-2022 at 04:17 AM.
#18

Linda, aren't DBx1 needles round shank? Both your machines instructions say to use a flat shank.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Last edited by OurWorkbench; 11-19-2022 at 06:21 AM.
#19

I just looked at the Cross Reference Needle chart that I had downloaded a spread sheet from https://ismacs.net/needle_and_shank/...ce-charts.html They also have html rendered pages. The DBx1 has a smaller shank and is shorter both in total length and length to eye than the 15x1, which are now known as130/705. Unfortunately they do not list HLx5, but I'm certain that the dimensions are the same as a 15x1.
Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
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Janey - Neat people never make the exciting discoveries I do.
Not affiliated with off-site link(s)
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Cedar Falls, IA
Posts: 915

I like Schmetz needles. I order from wawak webite and purchase boxes of 100. Last order, I indulged my creative/curious side and selected several specialty needles. The only one I haven't found useful is a needle with 2 eyes on it. Probably because I just go for it, and I need some technique advice for it.