Topstitching???
#1
Topstitching???
Howdy y'all :c)
On several quilting shows I've seen, and even on this forum, I have heard/read about topstitching and using a topstitching needle. But when I look at needles at quilt shops, I don't see anything that specifies a topstitching needle. Is there some other name they go by other than a topstitching needle? Also.....exactly what is the difference between topstitching and just regular sewing seams on a quilt? And what is the difference between a topstitching needle and any other kind? Hope this isn't a super dumb question, but I'm stumped on this one. Thanks in advance for your help! :c)
Donna
On several quilting shows I've seen, and even on this forum, I have heard/read about topstitching and using a topstitching needle. But when I look at needles at quilt shops, I don't see anything that specifies a topstitching needle. Is there some other name they go by other than a topstitching needle? Also.....exactly what is the difference between topstitching and just regular sewing seams on a quilt? And what is the difference between a topstitching needle and any other kind? Hope this isn't a super dumb question, but I'm stumped on this one. Thanks in advance for your help! :c)
Donna
#3
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: The middle of an IL cornfield
Posts: 7,014
http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/...tching-needle/
Here is some interesting information as well as photos. I'm not entirely certain I really understand it yet, but it's a start.
Here is some interesting information as well as photos. I'm not entirely certain I really understand it yet, but it's a start.
#4
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
If you click on "needles" in this link, you should find lots of info:
https://www.superiorthreads.com/education/
https://www.superiorthreads.com/education/
#5
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
I believe that superior threads has a video series to talk about thread and needles. In it, the presenter states that many quilters only use the topstitch needle for ALL parts of quilting.
Not sure about using the topstitch as a process in quilting though.
Not sure about using the topstitch as a process in quilting though.
#6
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Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: The Colony, TX
Posts: 3,364
Look through the information at Superior (link in one of the posts above) I think that they have the best information.
My understanding is that a lot of quilters have gone to the Top Stitch needle as it has a little larger eye - read that "since it is larger it will be easier to thread". The needle size isn't any different between a regular needle and a top stitch - just the eye. That being said the other big difference in needles is the type: Sharp/Quilting/Top Stitch and Jeans needles are all "sharps", Ball Point are for knits and Universals are a combination of ballpoint/sharp. In piecing and free motion quiltiing I prefer a "sharp"
My understanding is that a lot of quilters have gone to the Top Stitch needle as it has a little larger eye - read that "since it is larger it will be easier to thread". The needle size isn't any different between a regular needle and a top stitch - just the eye. That being said the other big difference in needles is the type: Sharp/Quilting/Top Stitch and Jeans needles are all "sharps", Ball Point are for knits and Universals are a combination of ballpoint/sharp. In piecing and free motion quiltiing I prefer a "sharp"
#9
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
Here is another good link to educate yourself about needles
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/learni...ut-needles.htm
http://www.schmetzneedles.com/learni...ut-needles.htm
#10
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
Top stitching is often done in purse and clothing assembly. It is stitching that purposely shows on the surface of the article/garment so the stitching should look its best. Not much difference between a quilting needle and a topstitch needle.
Basically they are both super sharp needles as opposed to a universal which has a blunter point. The topstitch as an enlarged eye and groove to accomodate larger threads traditionally used in topstitching which is usually going through several layers.
The quilting needles apparently do not have the enlarged groove and eye. This is most likely why so many recommend a top stitch because it can accomodate heavier threads.
Basically they are both super sharp needles as opposed to a universal which has a blunter point. The topstitch as an enlarged eye and groove to accomodate larger threads traditionally used in topstitching which is usually going through several layers.
The quilting needles apparently do not have the enlarged groove and eye. This is most likely why so many recommend a top stitch because it can accomodate heavier threads.
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