sewing machine needles

[Rita C.]

I have used titanium needles and lots of other kinds. Like you Renata I have begun to hear when my needle is not sewing so well and then know it's time to change. I think the titanium ones last longer but I can't be sure as I am not methodical enough to keep dates/ times in my head or anywhere else. I always have these great intentions to stick a piece of masking tape to my machine with the needle number and date on it...but then I forget as I am usually in the middle of something when a needle breaks, or I am just keen to get going with whatever I am doing. But mostly I just change my needle when my thread is not happy and if I think I have had enough out of the needle I dump it or I stick it in a pin cushion. Sharon Pederson has a great suggestion for keeping partially used needles in one of her classes here - but it's too organized for my brain.

[Renata L.]

I'm in the same place as you are, Rita, when it comes to needles. If I hear the popping sound as the needle goes through the fabric, I know it is time to change the needle. I'm also finding that despite what the industry says, including Superior Threads on occasion, I find some needles work better for me than others, especially with specialty threads. This afternoon, I shredded Superior metallic thread with both the topstitch and metallic needles. When I went back to a plain old jersey SUK needle, all was glorious again! This has happened before, so why did I have to go through that whole cycle again! :roll: Because I forget???

[wendy w.]

The size of needle is written on them - I remember seeing it a loooong time ago.

Good idea to write type and size on piece of tape on machine.

[wendy w.]

Another alternative is Norma's solution

by Zarah » Sun Jul 24, 2011 11:41 am

Maybe you could benefit from my idea. I made small quilts for two of my friends and for my own machines to trace what I have in the machine and to keep used needles.
Look at this link to see more
http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/photo_ed ... os_id/6514
It works very well for me

living in Central Denmark
Zarah

[Rita C.]

That's all very well Rosemary.... but I can't open is as it says URL not found!!!

[Nancy R.]

Needles do have their size written on them, but it's VERY small print. Since I change needle sizes, and sometimes types, when I switch between quilting projects or between quilting and piecing, I now put a little piece of painters tape on the top of my machine with the size and type of needle I'm using. When I switch needles, I pull up the tape and wrap it around the top of the needle and stick it in my pin cushion. I don't keep track of how old my needle are or how much use they've gotten. If one seems to be having trouble or sounding funny, I put it into a tin so that I can take it to my local guild for recycling. I've been using the Superior titanium topstitch needles a lot lately, but only buy them when they are on sale. I use a smaller needle, generally a 70, for piecing. Don't know if I'm doing anything right or wrong, but it all works for me.

Nancy

[Nancy R.]

Oh Bother!

try this one instead http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/photo.php/photos_id/6514

and if that still doesn't work, go to Zarah/Norma's profile and look at the last personal photo.

[Rita C.]

Yep that worked, thanks. What a cute idea. Norma, I might have to copy that, hope you don't mind?

[Betty J.]

Wow Norma! That's neat! I'd like to make several, if you don't mind.

[wendy w.]

Brilliant idea, I'm going to do one too.

I put used needles partially worn back in their original case but on the left.

[wendy w.]

I also put used needles back in the case... but I put them upside down, so I know they are used.

For needles and pins that are broken or worn out, I use a prescription bottle with a safety lid. When the bottle is full, I dispose of them in it.

[Renata L.]

I also put used needles back in the case... but I put them upside down, so I know they are used.

For needles and pins that are broken or worn out, I use a prescription bottle with a safety lid. When the bottle is full, I dispose of them in it.

I do exactly the same thing and it works for me!

[Norma H.]

What a surprise to see my own quilt here
Everyone who wants to copy my idea should be very welcome. Please post pics when you are finished. I want to enjoy yours as well.

For years I lived with sticky notes on my machine. That was where my needles were placed when not in use, but when I got my embroidery machine I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could make a quilt to keep track of the needles. Then I got another machine and with three machines I really needed these quilts.

[Lois B.]

I also put used needles back in the case... but I put them upside down, so I know they are used.

For needles and pins that are broken or worn out, I use a prescription bottle with a safety lid. When the bottle is full, I dispose of them in it.

This is a good idea. Thanks. I like the little quilt too!

[Lois B.]

Great idea Norma. When I have a needle or pin that has lived it's life, I put it in an old dental floss box. I just slide the pins and needles in it and when it is full, throw it away(I haven't yet had to throw one away ;o). I use a needle until I kill it. I have used the titanium needles by Superior. The project I was working on broke two of them in one sitting and I decided that was too expensive to repeat. I think I have one needle left--maybe I can actually find out if they last longer.