Sewing Machine Needle Size

Ok, so I'm one of those that doesn't regularly change my needle like I'm supposed to, in fact, I think I've changed my needle 3 times in 2 years. I just used the needles that came with the machine paying no attention to the different sizes. Now that my tiny stash is getting low I'm trying to shop for new ones and am just now finding out that size matters and I have no idea what I should be using. So if most of my sewing is done on just your regular cotton (not batiks) and the thread I use is just from Connecting Threads, what is the ideal size needles I should buy? Pretty much all my stuff I purchase is done online due to my location. Thanks for any help!

I always use a 90/14 for piecing and quilting unless I'm using specialty thread or fabric. It's a good needle size for me and I never have any trouble. Some people like an 80/12 but since I do a lot of free motion quilting, I stick with the 90.

I use Microtex sharps 80/12 for the most part. No particular reason other than someone mentioned they were good to use once and I've pretty much stuck with them since. I stink at fmq and don't venture there anymore.

The Connecting Thread cotton thread, which I also use, is a 50 wt thread. According to Superior Threads you should be using an #80/12 needle. I have been using the Microtex sharps 80/12, bought at Joanns with a coupon. I have purchased the Superior Threads topstitch needle, but haven't tried them in my machine yet.

Home Machine Needles - Superior Threads

I use the Microtex Sharps 80/12 for piecing. For quilting I will either use the 80/12 or a 90/14.

I use either the Microtex sharps 80/12 or Schmetz 80/12 top stitch needle for piecing.

I use the 90/14. The top numbermeans the same as the bottom number. I think it is the UK number. :icon_wave:

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Originally Posted by DeniseSm

The Connecting Thread cotton thread, which I also use, is a 50 wt thread. According to Superior Threads you should be using an #80/12 needle. I have been using the Microtex sharps 80/12, bought at Joanns with a coupon. I have purchased the Superior Threads topstitch needle, but haven't tried them in my machine yet.

Home Machine Needles - Superior Threads

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Thanks for the link. I have some top stitch needles but never saw a good explanation of them.

80/12 for me for piecing, and then i switch to a 90/14 for when I do the quilting part.

for piecing 80/12, paper piecing 90/14, machine quilting 90/14 or 100/16. That's what they say to use, but I use whatever is in my machine at the moment which 99% of the time is an 80/12. I usually switch depending on thread thickness.

Awesome! Thanks for the help. But now that I'm ready to order Amazon won't ship them to my FPO address. Ugh. I'll have to wait until I have an order for MSQC...

Sooo Happy you asked. I didn't have a clue what sizes to use

I use a quilting 75 needle for piecing. I bought some Microtex needles for when I sew on batiks; this needle was recommended at the store where I bought the fabric. For FMQ I use Top Stitch 90/14 needles. The larger eye gives more room for the thicker quilting thread to move through. It is recommended that one change the needle with every 7-8 hrs. of sewing. I usually make 1 needle last through one baby quilt project. I think the brand I buy is Inspira. JCY