mcclave65

I’m sorry in advance if I’m posting in the incorrect area. I am making a fabric sandwich with two pieces of cotton and batting and insul-bright. My machine is clucking when I go over the thick edges. I’ve checked tension and that’s fine. Someone said I need a shaper needle. I’m using a Schmetz 70/10. Does this seem the right sharpness? Thank you.

Iceblossom

I'm thinking the needle might be too small, I usually piece with a 10 but move up to larger (12-14) when quilting/going through thick stuff. You might also need to adjust the foot pressure for the greater depth of material.

Also, what sort of machine do you have? I know my vintage machine wouldn't think twice but a light weight Brother or similar machine might balk.

bearisgray

Sewing machine needles are made with differently shaped points and shank thicknesses.

I don't know how to post a link to a needle chart - but I hope someone will do that for you.

i would probably be using a 14/90 sharp for quilting with a 3.0 stitch length. Others will probably have different preferences.

the needle tips I remember are ballpoint, universal, and sharps. There are others available.

Ballpoint needles have a rounded tip especially designed for seeing knits.
Sharp are very pointed.
universals are between.

For seeing denim - there are special denim needles - I think about about a good 100/16.

My numbers may be a bit off.

Anyway- I think you are using a needle too puny for the jjob.

OurWorkbench

Here are a couple of links about needle points and their uses.
https://craftworld.com/cms/sewing-machine-needle-guide/
https://www.schmetzneedles.com/pages...e-needle-chart

I'm thinking that the "clucking" would do it all over as I'm thinking insulbrite has a mylar layer that would make a different sound than a regular quilt sandwich. According to https://sewingiscool.com/insulbrite-...ns-directions/ it just says that the needles need to be changed more frequently, but does not address size or which point type needles to use.

cashs_mom

I mostly use Microtex needles for piecing (80/12) and for quilting (90/14). However, one of my quilting friends was talking about Schmetz's Super Universal needle and how good it was for going thru heavy fabrics. I've been using them for bag making and quilting for about 6 months now and I really like them. They do seem to slide right thru many layers of fabric. https://www.schmetzneedles.com/produ...achine-needles

mcclave65

Thank you. I am trying to post a video but it will not let me.

mcclave65

Please watch for sewing machine issue. You will have unmute to hear the noise.
http://youtube.com/shorts/J3wexSWTYk...Van1NTWW83Hfyo

OurWorkbench

Do you have some scraps that you could try without the insulbrite? What I'm hearing is the needle hitting the mylar layer. Maybe try scraps with two layers of batting and no insulbrite. I think you will find the noise is being caused by the insulbrite. Or try just a scrap of the insulbrite and see if it produces a similar noise.

mcclave65

Thank you. I have tried it without the batting and insulbrite and sometimes I hear clicking going over the corners or heavy fabric areas.

OurWorkbench

Are you keeping the presser foot level while going over heavy fabric areas, while going slower?