irma tapia

Someone mentioned these needles today, can you please tell me more about them and why are they better for quilting?

PaperPrincess

I'm thinking you mean a stretch needle, one that you would normally use for knits. This needle has a deeper "scarf," an indentation that allows a longer thread loop to form, making it easier for the bobbin hook to grab it, so you don't get skipped stitches. In some cases, a ball point needle is also referred to as a stretch needle. The ball point needle will slip between the threads of a knit (stretchy fabric), not cut them and allow the fabric to run. Since you are sewing on cotton fabric, I'm not sure that I know why it would be an advantage.

irma tapia

Yes, that is the needle I'm talking about, sorry for the misspelling.
There was someone today that mentioned these needles and she said that was the only needle she used to quilt with, not sure why. Wish I knew.

quiltnerd

Really? I have a box of them but have never used them - I will watch with interest. Maybe I'll even test them out one of these days...

Oh dear, come to think of it, they must be at least 15 years old! I hope needles don't go bad!

irma tapia

I don't it would matter how old they are....if you try them let me know how they worked.

san-sing

I use stretch needles on my Brother 1500S. I was having trouble when I was doing free motion using the universal 90/14, thread breaking, skipped stitches, but, using the stretch needles, problem solved. They are kind of hard to find, I usually order them 100 at a time.

Scrap Happy

Well, you learn something new every day. Thanks!