what size needle do I need to use?
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 1,231
I am finally getting the hang of stippling, and I am having a ball...but my top thread keeps breaking. This is not a tension issue, because my stitches, front and back, look very, very good. The thread just gets frayed down by the eye of the needle, and if I don't stop and pull fresh thread through, it breaks anyway...don't ask me what needle I'm using now because I've tried all that I have and lost track! I tried a universal, a 90/14 and a 70/09....thread always frays with any of them. I am plugging along, but I know this has to be easier than all of these stops and starts! Any help will be appreciated!! Thanks, Donna
#2
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Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Where the deer & antilope play and the eagles soar
Posts: 1,540
Donna maybe you got a bad spool of thread?? someone said once to keep the thread in the freezer..don't know if this helps or not. I am sure someone else can advise you better than I can on that subject...I can imagine that must be maddening to have the thread keep breaking...
happy stitchin' crafty_linda_b
happy stitchin' crafty_linda_b
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: MS
Posts: 2,624
Try the "large eye" needles by Organ. I use them with my embroidery machine. They come in sharps and ballpoints in most common sizes. Best thing I've found. The larger eye cuts down on the friction of the thread going thru the needle. I also use the large eye with my regular sewing machine. Can see to thread it better when my self threader doesn't thread it! There is also the titanium coated Organ needle which is suppose to last longer and cut down on friction too but I haven't tried them. They're a little bit more expensive but suppose to last a long time and not break as easily.
If you want the sites where I order them, just PM me!
If you want the sites where I order them, just PM me!
#4
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 1,231
Crafty Linda...I should have mentioned that I'm pretty sure it's not the thread, either, it's a child's quilt and I am quilting each block a different color...
Nanamoms....pm on it's way...thank you!
Nanamoms....pm on it's way...thank you!
#5
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern Michigan
Posts: 12,861
are you using a domestic machine? try an embroidery or topstitch needle- or even a quilting needle- they all have eyes that are round(er) and then you need to match the size(weight) of the thread to the size needle you are using.
there are some 'sharps' that have larger eyes too. it sounds as if it is the eye size/shape that is fraying your thread
there are some 'sharps' that have larger eyes too. it sounds as if it is the eye size/shape that is fraying your thread
#8
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Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 1,231
Is there a chart somewhere that I can look at that will tell me what size needle to use with what type thread?
When you say "embroidery" or "topstitch" needle...is there a size? Or is that what it would be called?
Yes..domestic machine...singer...Thank you all for the help!
When you say "embroidery" or "topstitch" needle...is there a size? Or is that what it would be called?
Yes..domestic machine...singer...Thank you all for the help!
#10
Here's a chart of needles:
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/Schmetz_Sales_Guide.pdf
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/pdf/ABC_Brochure.pdf
I've recently gotten to love using topstitching needles. When you read the chart it seems like they're the best of all worlds.
Here's a thread guide that maybe can be useful also:
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/sizingguide.html
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/Schmetz_Sales_Guide.pdf
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/pdf/ABC_Brochure.pdf
I've recently gotten to love using topstitching needles. When you read the chart it seems like they're the best of all worlds.
Here's a thread guide that maybe can be useful also:
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/sizingguide.html
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