tlrnhi

Ok, before I forget and leave this place, can someone PLEASE tell me what size needles I need?
For some reason, size 12 is sticking in my head and for the life of me, I cannot remember what size or color. I know, I know..........I'm having a blonde moment...you've seen my new do. :)

zyxquilts

I found this when I googled "sewing machine needle sizes":
A Quilting Needle has a tapered point and slightly stronger shaft for stitching through multiple fabric layers and across intersecting seams. Use a 70/10 or 80/12 for intricate designs. Use a 90/14 if your quilt sandwich is thick. (here's the whole thing - http://www.quiltbus.com/machine-needle.htm )
I also recently read or heard online that using a topstitch needle is good for many kinds of threads as it has a large eye that helps prevent fraying.
Any help?

tlrnhi

I did look at a site like that, but for the life of me, I got confused as hell. I tried to ask hubby to take the needle out that was already in the machine and tell me what color the top of it was, but for some reason, he couldn't figure out HOW to get the needle out. I told him the little screw thing near the needle on the right hand side needed to be loosened and the needle would fall right out, but he had to put a piece of paper under the presser foot BEFORE he did that. I don't need him having the needle drop INSIDE the machine where I wouldn't be able to retrieve it.
I know, it probably wouldn't happen, but with this man...it would.

patricej

i try to keep it simple. no matter what kind of needle (quilting ... embroidery ... all-purpose) i have settled on two sizes for most things. 11 for most things ... 14 for slightly heavier than medium (whether fabric or batting). 16 or 18 would be necessary only for denim and other heavy/heavy weights.

Cathe

I use a 10 or 11 for most piecing and a 12 for quilting.

I go through a lot of needles.

bebe

check out this site it is about thread needles and etc.
Terry hope it helps!!!!

http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/blsuperior.htm

Elizabeth A.

Jeez, I would have loved to be a fly on the wall watching your dh try to get the needle out. :roll: :D

Of course the cheater way of doing things is to get a Univeral multipack, I think it comes with 10's, 12's, and 14's.

I buy that pack as well as the quilting/piecing in both sizes offered, which at least locally, is 11/75 and 90/14.

tlrnhi

I think it's the red topped ones i have.
I'm going to run to Sears today and get some.
Actually on second thought....I'll run to the sewing machine man that cleaned my machine and buy from him.

Thanks ALL!

ScubaK

I get the red topped ones as well!!!
Hehe!
I still have trouble trying to remember which needles to get for quilting and machine emb.
Kirsten

tlrnhi

Well, I went and got some, I think 12s. Not sure...flew thru the store since we were in a hurry. I hope they are the right size!