Reading needle sizes
#1
Reading needle sizes
I can't! They're soooo small. With so many machines to choose from I never know what needle I left in. I am wishing for little magnets like they have for the dishwasher "clean/dirty", only I need ones that say "70" "80" 90" "100".
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Millville, NJ
Posts: 1,835
You can use the jewelers loupe like a watchmaker if the shaft is marked with needle size. I use inexpensive digital calipers and this chart if not marked.
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mach...izes-1950.html
Jon
PS--Need to measure across eye
http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mach...izes-1950.html
Jon
PS--Need to measure across eye
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: North DFW
Posts: 603
That's why I used Singer color coded needles for so many years. I now have a small loupe or magnifying glass to read Schmetz sizes.
A QBer named Ripstitcher made a needle case for machine needles that was charted for different sizes.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ml#post6945927
She has the pattern on her website http://bionicgearbag.com/coming-soon/
A QBer named Ripstitcher made a needle case for machine needles that was charted for different sizes.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...ml#post6945927
She has the pattern on her website http://bionicgearbag.com/coming-soon/
Last edited by Suzanne57; 10-31-2014 at 08:24 PM.
#7
I use +4.0 reading glasses, but it's a problem. A hint at the size is the size of the eye, which is bigger with a bigger needle. An alternative is to always take the needle out and put it back in the appropriate, marked packet. Bit of extra effort, but you'd always know the needle size when you go to use it. I just whip out the 4.0s and read the size if it's not obvious. Problem is that you can't tell what tip it has without a microscope: Is it stretch or universal?
#9
I understand that Schmetz has started color coding their needles for size and type of point. I haven't bought any yet but looking forward to them as I can't read the #'s on the needles either. I need a bright light and magnifying glass to read them and I still have a lot of older but new needles.
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09-24-2011 10:03 AM