needles
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 817
They are my "go-to" needle for most piecing & quilting. As far as machine needles go, Microtex/Sharps are the sharpest, thinnest needles out there in each size (be sure to match the size with what your thread manufacturer recommends -- I use size 70/10 with Aurifil 50/2 and size 80/12 with Aurifil 40/2 and 28/2). They are especially great for batiks, but I really like them with any fabric.
I prefer the Schmetz brand because their needles are all color coded so even if I forget what needle I have in the machine (size & type). I have also used their Quilting needles for quilting. I like the rounded Quilting tip for certain fabrics that have a looser weave like repros (for regular fabrics & batiks, I use Microtex for quilting, too). And, of course, I've also done regular clothing & home dec sewing on it, for which I use other types of needles. Here's a link to their color chart: http://www.schmetzneedles.com/schmetz-color-code-chart/
I prefer the Schmetz brand because their needles are all color coded so even if I forget what needle I have in the machine (size & type). I have also used their Quilting needles for quilting. I like the rounded Quilting tip for certain fabrics that have a looser weave like repros (for regular fabrics & batiks, I use Microtex for quilting, too). And, of course, I've also done regular clothing & home dec sewing on it, for which I use other types of needles. Here's a link to their color chart: http://www.schmetzneedles.com/schmetz-color-code-chart/
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,741
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Tri-Cities, Washington
Posts: 757
Great information! I think I've been doing it all wrong and now know how to adjust my thinking as well as my needles. I bet this will make things easier for me. So is there anything that tells which weight thread should be used for which size needles or does that even matter?
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TeeGee
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
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05-21-2012 09:03 AM