A rather silly question...
01-31-2010, 06:23 AM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,496
I use a ball point needle when doing machine embroidery on sweatshirts and t-shirts. I don't know if they get "dull" but after a couple of projects, the thread will start to "shred" -- a good sign that I need to change needles :lol:
01-31-2010, 07:12 AM
#12
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Winchester, VA
Posts: 1,552
Ball Point needles were designed to be used on knit fabrics. If you are piecing with a non-knitted cotton, I would recommend you use a different needle. I have seen people who will not change a needle until it breaks, or becomes so bent that it cannot be used. Needles are one of the most important parts of piecing quilt, and I want to get the best result I can........so I change my needles after about 8 hours of sewing - 3-4 hours of embroidery work. You can buy good universal needles in bulk ( I got 100 for about $35.00 from my Viking Dealer).....Hope this helps.
01-31-2010, 09:47 AM
#14
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 48
Go to www.FaveCrafts.com. They have a downloadable booklet of Sewing for Beginners and it has lots of information about needles, etc. Have fun and it is free. They have pateerns, crafts, knitting, crocheting, etc. you name it . ALL FREE http://www.favecrafts.com/master_ima...ners-eBook.pdf
01-31-2010, 09:53 AM
#15
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Jacksonville, North Carolina
Posts: 5,941
I was born way before you and used to wear a lot of that ugly polyester....ok, don't go there, it was the style! I sewed most that I wore. I would end up breaking the ball needle before it ever got to not going through the poly. I'm sure it shredded thread and I'd change it for sure, but I remember them lasting a lot longer than my sharps do. I don't break as many now, but every once in awhile I forget to let the machine pull the fabric and I'll pop one.
Give those girls a hug from and Aunt Sharon and tell them to give you two each. Hugs
Give those girls a hug from and Aunt Sharon and tell them to give you two each. Hugs
01-31-2010, 10:25 AM
#18
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 48
Originally Posted by mrspete
I think it was a good question. I've never used any. And, I only know the usual and normal stuff. I need a course in what kind of fabric and needles go together and details like that. Maybe a couple more ounces of smarts to put it all together !
01-31-2010, 10:26 AM
#19
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 48
Originally Posted by mrspete
Two good things about our poly in those days, it never faded and it wasn't linty, other wise, glad those days are yesteryear.
01-31-2010, 10:51 AM
#20
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Central Wisconsin
Posts: 1,660
When used to long, the ball can come off a ball point needle. That can cause real problems with the way your machine sews. I was told by several different people that you should change your needle with each project. They said it was like pounding a well with a dull point. Your machine has to work harder and harder to drive the needle through the fabric. Eventually it will cause parts of your machine to wear out. I figure a new needle is a whole lot less expensive than a new part for my machine.
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