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

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