Machine Needles…What To Use?
Hi all, I am going to share some information with you all, about
something I know we all use. That is sewing machine needles. Now to be
open from the start I use mainly Schmetz needles. Why, you might ask.
Well, it is to do with my success in sewing, quilting, machine embroidery
and bag making with this brand. To me these are all similar but different
enough techniques to warrant specialty needles. Most brands make a
variety of needles for different purposes. As most of you will know needle sizes go up as the number increases, this is the opposite of thread, which gets thinner as the number increases.
The most common are Universal. These have a slightly rounded point and are a good overall needle. But there are many specialty types that can improve the out come of your project.
These come in sizes 60-120. When piecing in patchwork we use a size that is
compatible to the thread weight you are using. Most of us piece with 40-50, Superior Threads say to use a 75 or 80 needle with 50 weight thread (Orange Aurifil) and a 90 needle with 40 weight thread – Rasant and Green Aurifil.
Jeans Needle – I use these needles for either bag making or denim sewing. They move
more freely through thick fabric with less deflection. These range in size from 70-110. I use
one of three sizes from 90-110 depending upon the thickness of the materials I am sewing.
As many of you will know that bag sewing can become very thick when sewing over layers
of foam interfacing, many layers of fabric and other materials used in making a bag that has
a three-dimensional form.
Microtex Needle – I thought I would mention this one as it is a bit confusing. These are
good for extremely fine or densely woven materials; this can include batiks. They also can
give us a very straight top stitching line. They also work well on faux leather, cork and other
coated fabrics. Sizes ranges from 60-110.
Quilting Needle – these have a very special taper to a slightly rounded point. This point can
penetrate many layers without damaging the fabric. Good for topstitching work such as
quilting. Size ranges from 75-90.
Embroidery & Golden Embroidery Needle – these are two different types but used for
similar activity. They have a light ball point and a wide eye and thread grove at the back.
The golden on has a longer service life but has an additional cost associated to it. size
ranges 75-90.
There are many more types of needles available for speciality projects. And recently
Schmetz have added colour coding to the needles so we can tell what type we have in our
machine. Remember to change your needle every 6-8 hours of sewing and if you are
having difficulty with your machine always consider this could be a problem so change it,
you can not see if it is blunt or damaged with your naked eye. I have included a link to the
colour coding chart Schmetz have on their website. Have a look.
https://schmetzneedles.com/sewing-machine-needle-color-code-chart