charlottequilts

I am trying to order some Organ needles, as my machine came with 2 HAx1 needles, an 11 and a 14.

I am piecing and currently using some 30s reproductions from about 15 years ago. The needle holes with the 11 are ok, but I'm thinking about getting some 70/10. A different machine is set up for quilting, but I have done walking foot quilting on the Juki and likely will again. No FMQ.

So, should I order the HAx1s or the HAx5? The HAx1 are quite a bit cheaper, but the Juki is pretty beefy, so I am hoping some of our Juki owners have some advice.

hugs,
Charlotte

Macybaby

I've been using the HAx1 since I got my juki 2010 a few years ago. Have not had any problems using them, and I sew a lot. Normally when you are piecing, it's hard to get really going fast for any length of time. The heavy duty needles might be more appropriate for FMQ if you really like to zip along.

I don't consider the Juki to be beefy. It's mechanical, but not heavy duty or high speed compared to industrial machines.

Austinite

I use either Schmetz Universal 90/14 needles or Schmetz quilting needles 90/14 size. I get them bulk on Amazon, haven't had any issues. I've also used Universal 80/12 with no problems.

quiltedsunshine

Singer HAx1 is the same as Schmetx 130 705H. The Singer needles are smaller at the top, and are prone to falling out. I'd stick with the Schmetz. HAx5 is a bit different measurement and will change the timing on your machine, so don't get those.

The Juki 2010, 2020, etc are semi-industrial machines. I consider them to be a little more beefy.

charlottequilts

Thanks so much to Macybaby, Austinite, and Quiltedsunshine for advising me on this. I tried to research it first, but ended up more confused than ever. Now I have some solid advice to go on!

big hugs,
charlotte

sewbizgirl

This is exactly what I use in my Juki2010Q as well. It came with an extra pack of Organ needles, but they don't fit it! Still puzzling over that one.

Don't be fooled by salespeople telling you a machine is "industrial" or "semi-industrial". An industrial machine has a huge outside motor that has to be turned on separately from the machine, with a switch on the table. They also sit in a big heavy table with a big foot pedal (like a treadle) and they have a reservoir for tons of oil. Juki makes these, but you aren't likely to see them at quilt shows, and definitely not on Amazon.

The 2010Q is a good, strong, all metal machine, but it's definitely a home use machine.

Innov8R

I seem to have no trouble using my threader with HAX1 11 and 14, but when I use other sizes or types of needles I do. If you use your threader a lot, you might want to be careful about stocking up on something that it won't work with.

Macybaby

I've found the trouble with my threader is more linked to the thread I use than the needle, but I rarely use anything other than an 80/12 Once in a while I'll go smaller, have never gone larger (in the Juki 2010) so far.

charlottequilts

Hi - I just found the needles the shop in ME sold me for the Juki 2010: Schmetz special HaX1 SP. From looking online, they appear to be serger needles for stretch fabric and are definitely longer than the Organ. I suspect they'd be dangerous to use if they're longer. I don't own a serger.

I've been in the shop several times, and it always seems like they can't answer a question fast enough and then head back to whatever conversation or project they were into before. Without the expertise on this board, I'd have had no idea needles even came in different lengths.

hugs,
charlotte

Krisb

Your sewing machine manual should tell you the correct needle class (sometimes called system) for your machine. Needle classes define the design of the needle (flat shank, round shank, scarf, etc). Each needle manufacturer further confuses us by using their own numbering system. An Organ HAx1 is a standard home sewing machine needle class, same as a 15x1 or 130/705H. An HLx5 is a stronger needle, with a flat shank, like a standard home sewing machine needle.

Then there are needle sizes. These are related to the thickness of the fabric and thickness of thread on which they will sew well. 75/11, 80/12, 90/14, etc. Thin or sheer fabrics get lower numbers, thick fabrics get higher numbers. Needles also come with different points—sharp, ball point, quilting, etc.