indymta

I had already removed 1 needle from a pkg of 5 schmetz needles...don't remember which size but probably a 75/11 leaving 4... 2 x 75/11 and 2 x 90/14. Today I went to change my needle before beginning a new project and spilled the 4 needles on the floor. I can't see any difference in them and other than a green stripe on all 4, is there any way to tell which is which?

katier825

The size is imprinted into the top part of the needle. It's too small for me to read though, even with my magnifiers. Also, if you can tell a difference in the size, the wider shaft will be the 90/14.

Gladygirl

I just looked at a new package of Schmetz needles with a small hand held magnifying glass and can just barely decifer the printing on the upper part of the needle--there is an 11 or 14 on each needle but hard to see it. Could try stitching thru a peice of paper to compare the hole size--don't think there is much difference tho. I usually put the 14's in a case by themselves which I have marked with tape and needle size so there is less chance of mixing them up in case I get the dropsies.

dunster

I got the helping hands from Harbor Freight and took it apart just for the magnifying glass. It has a super-super magnification area that allows me to read the number on the needles. The other thing I did is to label each section of a tomato pin cushion with needle sizes. When I take a needle out that is still good, I stick it into the appropriate section, so when I need that size again I know just where to look.

This is the web site for the helping hands - http://www.harborfreight.com/helping-hands-319.html

Val in IN

Gotta love that Harbor Freight! I'm going that way on Friday, guess what I'm getting! And I'll probably add one of those magnifying headstraps with the lights too for my handquilting. The old peepers ain't what they used to be.

deemail

i grab a sharpie and ink the top of the needle and then wipe away the residue...i still use a glass to check, but you can see it...

DogHouseMom

My husband purchased a jewelers loupe recently to work on his watches, and I've already found so many more uses for it!! I forgot how much he paid, not much on E-Bay.

QuiltE

Some of the needle cases have the top of the case made so that it becomes a magnifier.
I've kept one, for just that reason!

majormom

Now this is an ingenius idea! Thank You :-)