LavenderBlue

I'm so bad about replacing my machine needle that I can't even remember the last time! When I checked my needle inventory, there are only Microtek 70/10 and 80/12. I know these are best for working with batiks, but should I go ahead and use them for regular quilting cotton too? Or do any of you have another favorite?

Thanks for all input.

Onebyone

Needle size depends on thread weight and ply. Batiks are tighter woven then regular cotton fabric so a microtek will be a good type of needle for both.

Iceblossom

Either of those are fine for piecing. I usually piece with a 10 and quilt with a 12, sometimes up to a 14.

But I'm not that fussy either and if all I have are 12s, well I'll piece with them. Wouldn't try quilting with a 10 though...

Edit: I'm big on changing needles. They are cheap in comparison to fabric. Even if it is a new needle if you are having weird problems, change the needle again, it could have a manufacturing defect.

If you ever hear your machine going "pooka pooka" that means your needle is beyond dull and is punching holes in your fabric threads instead of cleverly sneaking in between them.

LavenderBlue

Ice - Wow, I heard that sound yesterday! I am so guilty.

oksewglad

LOL, Guilty here, too. I heard it last night on the LA when quilting a denim quilt...and told myself to change the needle for the next quilt!

Iceblossom

I think most of us are guilty about not changing the needle enough. I plan on starting each new project with a new needle. Ok, maybe I'll do two baby quilts with the same needle. But it is one of the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way to help us get good results, so buy a bunch when they are on sale and just go willy nilly with them!

If you haven't had it happen yet, it can be heartbreaking when using a dull needle and getting the thread pulls in your fabric

peaceandjoy

and "just go willy nilly"

You make me laugh!

Waaayyyy back when, a Joanns in a nearby largish city had a sewing machine shop in it. Maybe Viking? Anyhow, they accepted Joann's coupons! So I bought a box of 100. It's just now starting to look like I need to find another good sale. You know, so I can go willy nilly and not have to hear "pooka pooka".

No idea how to make laughing faces, but know I am!!

Jordan

I have a Janome 6600 and as I sew it sounds like the needle has a somewhat blunt end and it is giving me a noise that I am not used to. Took it in and got it serviced but was wondering what is a good size needle to piece with on my machine? Any info would be appreciated.

oksewglad

Onebyone posted this thread earlier. Needles and thread go hand in hand.

The majority of quilters don't understand thread weight.

cashs_mom

I use Microtex needles exclusively. I have a lot better luck with them with all my machines. I usually use Aurafil 50 or 60 wt thread so I use an 80/12 for piecing. For quilting I use an 80/12 or 90/14 depending on what type of thread I am using and what thickness and type of fabrics I'm quilting.

I also change needles often. My standard is to change the needle after every project (unless the project is long/large then I'll change midway). Needles are cheap compared to machine repairs.