maps

I am newer to quilting and put my binding on with my machine. What size needle should I be using?

Bree123

It depends on what thread you're using. Needle size is entirely determined by what thread you have (weight & number of plies). Generally, a size 80/12 needle works well for most threads for beginning quilters.

maps

Thank you. I have been using Gutermann, 100% poly. I think I have been using the 80/12 needles but I wasn't sure if there was a better one or not.

ManiacQuilter2

I switch between the size 80 & 90 using Schmetz quilting needles.

bearisgray

I would also add what kind of fabric one is attempting to sew. Heavy weight denim jeans hems require a sturdier needle than lightweight muslin.

I usually use an 80/12 "regular" needle for piecing.

Bree123

Yes, I agree that I would use a 90/14 Jeans needle when working with heavy fabrics like Jeans or Duck Cloth, but I would also use a heavier thread to sew those -- typically a 30wt. A standard 50wt thread is not a good choice when working with heavy fabrics like that.

As it happens, Gutermann recommends a size 80 or 90 needle for all their 100% poly thread, so I really wouldn't go smaller than that in any case. If I was working with a fabric such as silk or linen that required a smaller needle, I'd switch to a finer thread like an Aurifil 50/2 (which I routinely stitch with a size 70/10 needle) or YLI silk (which works well with a size 65/9 or 60/8 needle). But honestly, the smaller needles are typically not recommended for beginners because they require more skill to keep the thread from shredding in the eye.