Identifying needle size/type once out of packaging
10-27-2010, 08:00 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Brick, NJ
Posts: 819
Once I've taken a needle out of its original package I have a LOT of trouble reading/interpreting its size. With "cheaters" (glasses) AND a magnifying glass I might (just might) be able to read the numbers.
However, I don't know how you'd be able to tell the difference between, say, a regular size 14 needle and a size 14 topstitch. Is there some way to know? Metallic? Embroidery?
And what do "red tip", "blue tip" etc. mean?
Sometimes I use several different needles in a day, and am not careful about putting them back in their packaging...any hints to help with this?
Thanks in advance.
However, I don't know how you'd be able to tell the difference between, say, a regular size 14 needle and a size 14 topstitch. Is there some way to know? Metallic? Embroidery?
And what do "red tip", "blue tip" etc. mean?
Sometimes I use several different needles in a day, and am not careful about putting them back in their packaging...any hints to help with this?
Thanks in advance.
10-27-2010, 08:06 PM
#2
Super Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Merced, CA
Posts: 4,188
I put them in tiny plastic bottles that I"ve collected over the years, with the numbers printed out and taped on them just as soon as they are taken out of their packages.
Otherwise, I'm the same, can't see the darn numbers on them, even with a magnifying glass when tired.
Small spice jars, small olive jars, etc. also work quite well.
Otherwise, I'm the same, can't see the darn numbers on them, even with a magnifying glass when tired.
Small spice jars, small olive jars, etc. also work quite well.
10-27-2010, 08:08 PM
#3
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
Some people mark their tomato pincushions, drawing a grid on them for the different sizes, as well as for the different types too.
You could even make a rectangular pincushion, and mark it for all of your different needles :D:D:D
You could even make a rectangular pincushion, and mark it for all of your different needles :D:D:D
10-27-2010, 08:10 PM
#4
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Central Jersey & Calabash,NC
Posts: 4,024
Originally Posted by newestnana
Once I've taken a needle out of its original package I have a LOT of trouble reading/interpreting its size. With "cheaters" (glasses) AND a magnifying glass I might (just might) be able to read the numbers.
However, I don't know how you'd be able to tell the difference between, say, a regular size 14 needle and a size 14 topstitch. Is there some way to know? Metallic? Embroidery?
And what do "red tip", "blue tip" etc. mean?
Sometimes I use several different needles in a day, and am not careful about putting them back in their packaging...any hints to help with this?
Thanks in advance.
However, I don't know how you'd be able to tell the difference between, say, a regular size 14 needle and a size 14 topstitch. Is there some way to know? Metallic? Embroidery?
And what do "red tip", "blue tip" etc. mean?
Sometimes I use several different needles in a day, and am not careful about putting them back in their packaging...any hints to help with this?
Thanks in advance.
10-28-2010, 03:16 AM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: currently living outside of nashville, tn
Posts: 1,134
my idea: when a needle is removed from its package, take a solid color fabric scrap and, with a marker, jot down everything you want to know about the needle. When done, keep the thread on your needle take a stitch into the cloth (to prevent it from sliding out), and end by sliding the needle into the fabric.
10-28-2010, 03:38 AM
#6
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
the red tips, blue tips are how you tell your needles ... different colored ends on different size/type needles. my needles are red-sharps, blue=embroidery, green- topstitch...some people keep a post-it near by, when getting out a new needle they jot down which needle they are going to use, size and type...so they can go back and reference when needed. i tend to just keep the package out, sitting beside the machine. so if i'm away for any length of time and go in to sew something i can pick it up and know exactly what needle is in the machine.
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