Choosing the Right Sewing Machine Needles | National Quilter's Circle

[@vickytheviking9913]

Thanks so much Heather, short and succinct and already making a difference to my Christmas project. X

[@NationalQuiltersCircle]

You are so welcome!

[@koalasez1200]

I just watched a series of videos from Superior Threads [by Bob] who talked about this very thing, and that quilting pros prefer topstitch needles for the reason you talk about. All these decades of sewing off and on, and we still learn something new. Thanks for this video! Thread and needle sizing is illogical [in a perfect world, the numbers would match], but then we also have inches and millimeters. Keeps us on our toes :)

[@annasipinski2468]

Thank you very helpful information! I'm starting to quilt and so grateful for your video.

[@jimdavidson3345]

Excellent!

[@mariapropst7935]

great GREAT GREAT VIDEO THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@kimworkman2425]

Definitely helpful info. Thanks

[@NationalQuiltersCircle]

You bet!

[@b.bailey8244]

This was so helpful. Thanks!

[@sandygrogg1203]

This was very helpful. Thank you, Heather.

[@krispea10]

Great information, thank you!

[@211ssw]

Thank you SO much! It's a timely video since I'm going to buy needles very soon & had no knowledge on the subject. Since you didn't state that machines accept different brands, I'm assuming that sewing machines all take those Schmetz needles. My old one did but I haven't checked for new machine. Again, thanks, your videos are the best.

[@tanjowil9743]

Very helpful.

[@Chazz]

Thank You.

[@elbanti]

I went and bought a few sizes in Klasse brand Topstitch needles after hearing how awesome topstitch needles are, but was not impressed at all when I tried them sewing with my usual 40wt thread. They feel and sound kind of blunt to me, pounding the fabric reluctantly rather than penetrating effortlesly like my favourite, Microtex which are lovely and sharp, love them for general sewing, piecing, quilting, free motion stitching. Or jeans needles which I love for bag making. I did also buy some Gutermann Topstitch thread so will give them another go. All my other needles are Schmetz so maybe I should have stuck with the quality I know rather than try to save money! (Sorry Klasse!) I’ll have to do a comparison...

[@sarahpengelly8439]

Thanks for this comment. New Janome machine, all ready to go...I try sewing a quilt sandwich with a walking foot & loops form all over the back. Then tangles & fault modes!! Damn. The practise backing fabric is poplin so I replace it with quilting cotton & all perfect.😊 Obviously the poplin as a higher thread count fabric is the problem. This may not have happened if I'd had a killer microtex needle in as usual for the job. May get some topstitch needles as well.... .

[@ummmomen]

will these needles fit any sewing machine? thanks for the video.

[@ImGinaMarie]

So would a top stitch needle do well for piecing a quilt as well as quilting? Also would you recommend a topstitch needle for free motion quilting?

[@NationalQuiltersCircle]

Hello, Yes, a topstitch needle would work great for both piecing and free motion quilting. Cheers, Ashley

[@ImGinaMarie]

thanks

[@com2375]

I just want to know what needle for putting a block together not anything else

[@sylviamaldonado2009]

What size Top Stitch needle 90/14 or 100/16? I’m a beginner quilter. 🙏

[@NationalQuiltersCircle]

Great question! The ‘Ask an Expert’ section is currently for members of our online community. I would be happy to send your question off to the experts. To get started, please send the email associated with your paid membership account. Thanks!

[@Rajordan]

Please, how does the thread go through the needle that many times before it is done?

[@ADHDAquatics]

Following

[@ADHDAquatics]

www.researchgate.net/figure/Passage-of-the-needle-thread-through-the-sewing-machine_fig1_249784791

[@ADHDAquatics]

WOW

[@MsWashins]

How often should you change your needle?

[@NationalQuiltersCircle]

When to change your sewing needles. Ideally a machine needle needs to be changed every 6 - 8 hours of continuous use or if starting a new sewing project, but there is a little bit of flexibility in there and it is also dependent on the project.

[@MsWashins]

@@NationalQuiltersCircle Thank you!

[@pamelaleitman9200]

Does this apply to polyester thread as well?

[@NationalQuiltersCircle]

Hi, Pamela. Yes, sort of. Unfortunately most polyester threads are not weighted and when they are it is simply a comparable. Because polyester is extruded rather than spun, it's physical weight is no indicator of it's tactile strength which is what the weight system of natural fibers tells us. So, with polyester threads pay attention to the title the manufacturer gives the thread. Some of the titles I've seen include; piecing, hand quilting, machine quilting, embroidery, all-purpose, upholstery, etc. then make some assumptions. Most piecing thread is 50 weight, machine quilting, 40 weight etc.

[@sarahpengelly8439]

Didn't realise needles could be so complicated. Thanks for the talk.

[@lettherebepiece7184]

Hi,I understand what had been said up until now `But no one ever explains what the numbers are measuring,lets say 130/705 what is 130 and what is 705.Also what are the numbers 80/12 is this the length and thickness of the needle in mm or some thing else and if it is the thickness and length what parts,could you explain please.

[@NationalQuiltersCircle]

+wow dude Hi,For sewing machine needle sizes, there are two number. One is the American sizing system and one is the European Metric sizing system. American sizing numbers range from 8 to 18 and the European sizing numbers range from 60 to 110. In both cases, the number refer to the needle thickness, with the lower the number the finer the needle.Hope this helps!

[@RenaissancePeopleNYC]

My 221 Featherweight stitches PERFECTLY with a round needle, but needles that have a "cutout" (scarf) will just about not stitch at all. Timing, needle height, and everything is perfect - and remember - it DOES STITCH PERFECTLY with a ROUND needle. What gives???

[@patyake307]

What needle do you suggest for metallic thread

[@NationalQuiltersCircle]

Hi, For metallic thread I suggest using a metallic needle. Here is a link to one brand of metallic needle for reference:www.amazon.com/Metallic-Machine-Needle-Size-90-Pkg/dp/B003CXBZJC [images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51VGRVHCwyL._SY300_QL70_.jpg] Amazon.com: Metallic Machine Needle-Size 90/14 5/Pkg www.amazon.com Shop Euro-Notions at the Amazon Arts, Crafts & Sewing store. Free Shipping on eligible items. Save on everyday low prices. Hope this helps!

[@ssmith3501]

Very difficult to see this technique between her fingernails and the use of white thread-- would love to see this again with dark colored thread - done out on a white colored flat board --

[@NationalQuiltersCircle]

+s smith Thank you for your feedback, we appreciate it. I will forward your comments on to the proper department.