What needles do you use

[ANNE E.]

What machine needles do you use?
I like to do piecing, and some free motion sewing.
I have so many packets of different needles and I would like to slim them down to maybe 2-3 different sorts, is there "one sort suits all " type.
I think Bob the thread man recomends useing a top stitch needle for all sewing, is that suitable for embroidery and metalics? "not that I use metalics a lot".
What is the best needle for piecing? I tend to use jeans or quilting, there you go thats 2 different sorts then there is embroidery, metalic need I go on.
Opinions would be appreciated
Anne

[ANNE E.]

I seem to remember Bob the thread guy saying that there is no difference between the top stitch needle and the metalics needle, apart from top stitch are packaged in the larger sizes and the metalics in the smaller sizes.

But no there is not a 'one sort suits all'.

That said, personally I tend to use an 80 universal for most things, and go down to a 70 for fine cloth & thread, and up to a 90 for shortening jeans. I don't do machine embroidery per se, so I cannot help there. I switch to a ball point needle when I am sewing knit fabrics - I also make & alter clothes as a sideline.

The main biggy is to make sure that you match your thread size to your needle size and vice-versa, and if you are starting to get skipped stitches it is probably time for a new needle :wink:

What you probably really need is a small box or two to store your packets of needles in, in an orderly fashion, so like is next to like and they progress in size, that way you can easily find what you are after, and see what you have in stock.

[Teri L.]

I tend to stick with top stitching needles as I am a machine quilter and generally these are perfect.
For embroidery I would use embroidery needles as they can take the high speed and heat better. Depending on the thread these are fine for quilting as well.
For piecing universal is great as you're stitching through 2 layers of fabric - if you're paper piecing I think top stitching is a better option.
Every once in a while - even tho they are essentially the same needle - I need to switch to a metallic for the metallic thread - most of the time I use top stitching.
Rosemary is right there is no one size fits all needle.

Teri

[Teri L.]

I use Schmetz Microtex 70 or Bernina 70 to piece with and I use Schmetz 75 or 90 quilting needles for quilting with cotton thread. If I quilt with any non-cotton thread I have found the thread behaves best with a Schmetz or Superior 80 topstitch needle. I did try using a topstitch needle for everything after listening to Bob, but I like the tiny hole of the 70 for piecing. As often as I can afford it, I use Masterpiece thread for piecing. It is the best thread I've ever used. It's excellent in the bobbin when using specialty threads also.

[ANNE E.]

Thanks for your input, I use Schmetz usually but have tried Klasse and they seem to be ok
Anne