Sewology Sunday - Sewing Machine Needles

Sewing machine needles are an integral part of your sewing arsenal, and knowing what kind to use, and when to use them is paramount to happy stitches!

I found a fabulous PDF Needle Handout (Click Here) that you can print and use. It has an incredible amount of information on the different type of needles, uses, sizes and description. It would be a great guide to handout out in a beginning sewing/quilting class!

Here are some basic facts that I find useful!

• The larger the number, the larger the needle (opposite of thread sizing)
• Changing your needle with each project is best
• A universal needle is a cross between a ball point and a sharp needle and not always (maybe never) the correct needle to use when piecing quilt tops.  The fabric is often too tight of a weave.
• Skipped stitches are almost always a needle issue (wrong size or dull)

How a Stitch is Formed                               Anatomy of a Needle

When piecing quilt tops I almost always use a  70/10 microtex needle.  It's sharp and works well with the 60/3 (60 weight - 3 ply) thread I use.

When I am making bags and need a stronger needle, I generally use a jeans 90/14.  They are sharp and strong enough to go through the many layers of fabric, batting and interfacings, and work well with the thicker topstitching threads.

So, thats my two cents on needles, hope it was informative - Have a great weekend, and thanks for stopping by!