J Miller

At one time I "thought" I had a cross reference chart showing the equivalent sizes of needles.
Say what vintage size, alpha or numeric, matches a size 14 modern needle.

I have searched my bookmarks and didn't find it. Everything else, but not that.

I did find this { http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_mach...izes-1950.html } chart on ISMACS and it will help some, but I thought I had a more complete one.

Does anyone know of a more complete chart?

Joe

Queen

I've got a listing that is 102 pages, if that is the one you are looking for. I got it off the ismacs website a while back. If you want it, pm me and I'll try to send it to you.

Mary

J Miller

Mary,

Thanks for the offer, but I have that list too. It's an application list of needle systems with the makers ID listed. Not a size equivalent chart.

Joe

NJ Quilter

Joe, found this site....not sure if it's what you thought you had or of any value....

http://www.ctsusa.com/showpages.aspx?pid=1006

jlhmnj

Joe,

Easiest thing to do is measure and reference the chart you provided a link for which is what I do. After a while you can remember and Eldredge #5 is a size 16 or a New Home 1/2 is size 14 or a Singer 1 is size 16 but why try to remember all that. I have books that these numbers can be referenced but this depends on needle manufacturer and era so not very dependable. For me easiest to take out cheap calipers and measure and round up as measurements are not always dead on.

Jon

edit--If the needle is not present to measure sometimes you have to go by old charts and use best judgement. There are quite a few sizing systems. Some I have are Excelsior, Blelock, Free, Brewer, Boye, National, New Home etc.. The systems were meant to be confusing to inspire needle loyalty.

jlhmnj

I recently used this chart to figure out what a Willcox and Gibbs size 32 & 40. Represents size 12 and 16 as shown by chart or .032" and .040".

Jon

J Miller

JN Quilter - Jon,

Thanks. I was thinking I'd have to break out the calipers, but was hoping I could find a chart. I've got a lot of old but good needles of many different systems that I'm trying to ID and catalog for any possible future use.
Some I recognize, like the 1/2 = 14 but others just confuse me.

And one thing I've noticed and I could be hallucinating, the eye size is inconsistent. A size 16 modern needle might have a bigger eye than a size 1 old needle although they are the same basic needle size.

Maybe I should take up something simple like neurosurgery.

Joe

KenmoreRulesAll

You'd still need a needle chart.

J Miller

KRA,


Arrrgh .... you're so very right. But maybe I could use super glue .


Joe

jlhmnj

Joe,

In summary, If the needles is in front of me I measure and use the chart you provided. Simple takes about 10 seconds If the needle is not handy to measure and the number is unfamiliar I dig out the charts which vary by needle manufacturer and there are boat loads of them and often contradict one another.

Jon

PS--i use the cheap $10 harbor freight digital calipers even if I have 100 needles to measure and say unmarked. If say the needle is marked W&W 3 I'd measure one and use a loupe for the rest once the number is figured out. Measurements trump the charts and no micrometers or dial calipers fer me. This is only for size and assume the needle is known for instance 127x1, Davis Long, 15x1.