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How to Quilt>Sewing Machine Needles for Piecing and Machine Quilting
Sewing Machine Needles
Sewing and quilting machine needles are very important to your craft. Did you know that changing your machine needle after 6 to 10 hours of use is one of the best ways to protect your quilt projects? When needles dull after over usage, they can snag your projects or wear thin and break (which is a good reason not to keep your face near the needle when your machine is sewing). A needle warped by over use might strike the machine foot and snap. If you are using a standard sewing machine for your quilting projects like many quilters do, you need to have a good understanding of sewing machine needles. Universal point needles are just that – universal. They are great for sewing on all types of woven and knit fabrics. The weight of your fabric will determine which size universal point needle you use. If you use your sewing machine for paper piecing, you will likely need the 90/14 needle which is typically used for medium to heavy weight fabrics. Be sure to switch the needle out after 6 to 10 hours because the paper will certainly help dull the needle sooner. Lightweight fabrics generally stitch better under the 70/10 needle. Medium weight fabrics work well with the 80/12 needle. Your sewing machine manual will give you specific details about the proper needle to use for the type of fabric on which you are sewing or quilting. Two machine needles have rounded tips. One is the jersey needle, often called a ballpoint needle as well. The jersey needle is to be used on knits and stretch fabrics. The rounded tip helps prevent it from fraying or snagging your fabric. The stretch needle is the other type of rounded tip needle. It is made to sew very stretchy fabrics like Spandex. Some quilters find this needle to be a good choice for sewing on fleece, too. The rounded tip keeps the fleece from snagging or puckering during sewing. * Universal Point Needles are a great all-purpose needle. This needle has a very slightly rounded tip that is still sharp and can used for general sewing of most knit and woven fabrics. Use 60/8 for silks; 70/10 for lightweight fabrics or when using nylon or monofilament thread; 80/12 for medium weight fabrics; 90/14 for medium to heavyweight fabrics or when paper piecing; 100/16 for heavyweight fabrics and 110 for upholstery fabrics. Singer codes this needle with a red top. If you have been using your sewing machine for quilting for a long time, you are probably already aware of the quilting needle. It has a stronger shaft than many other needles since it must stitch through your quilt sandwich. Thick quilts usually need a 90/14 needle. Intricate designs work best with either a 70/10 or an 80/12 needle. Many quilters also like the topstitch needle for machine quilting. The sharp point needle is thinner and sharper than the universal point. The sharpness and thinness make it a great choice for machine piecing, appliqué and quilting. This super thin needle is great on fabrics with high thread count. The skip-free needle is a great help in sewing synthetic knits and faux suede because it has a flatter shank than a universal point needle. If you use denim in your quilts, you can benefit from a jeans or denim needle. This needle has a very sharp tip, slender eye and a strong shaft good for tough fabrics like canvas, too. The best resource for the needles that came with your sewing machine is the machine manual. Take the manual with you to your craft store when it is time to buy needles. The sales clerk can lead you to the right direction and help you choose the needles you need for your sewing machine. Using a Needle Grabber, your sewing machine needles are easy to change. Sorry - no more excuses to just leave that old, dull needle in your sewing machine! Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren www.How-to-Quilt.com
©2009, Penny Halgren This article courtesy of http://www.How-To-Quilt.com. You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.
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