threads and needles

[zenkitty]

I am getting confused about which thread goes with which needle. Some tell me if I use thread A, then I need to use needle size A....I have no clue. Any help would be nice.

[janluna]

Re: threads and needles

Good question, I have no idea. I just change the needle for each project and sew with whatever thread I'm using. Hugs, Jan L

[zenkitty]

Re: threads and needles

LOL! Some quilters...I guess the serious folks...tell me that some threads are thinner so I need to use a needle with a different size hole...but then, the fabric might need a different point...but then...Oy!

But, is it true that a smaller needle is best so it won't make such big holes in the fabric??? Golly, if they could see the hack job I did on my squares, holes wouldn't much matter at this point!

[debinmalaga]

Re: threads and needles

LOL zenkitty! I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question, but thanks for the chuckle.

[bakermom]

Re: threads and needles

If you're talkng about hand sewing, I use whatever i have that I can see the eye to thread it.

Machine?? usually I only change to a bigger needle when I'm using a heavier thread to topstitch or if I feel the needle is getting dull(pop sound as it goes thru fabric).
Some people are very picky about things. I don't stress over stuff like that- if it's working for me I see know need to change it.

i guess the best guide would be-use a bigger needle when you are using a heavier thread
(either hand or machine)

[Lola2Ace]

Re: threads and needles

I'm like Bakermom, I don't stress over it.
Most of the time I use the basic 80/20 needle, but I do keep some of the 75's on hand too.
I will use a 90 or even 100 if there is extra thickness to what I am sewing, it just makes it easier for the machine to get through the added thickness with a bigger needle.
Ballpoints are great for knit fabrics, and generally are the only 'specialty' needle I use, except for embroidery needles for the emboidery machine.
You can take a piece of your thread and put it through the eye of your needle and hold up one end, if the needle moves down easily your eye is a good size.
I love to learn, so if anybody has more info, would love to read it.
Lola

[zenkitty]

Re: threads and needles

Yes, machine quilting. Maybe it's the area I live in but the LQS's here have people who will tell me about the spin of the thread, fuzz created, hole size of needle importance, yadda.....and I just want some cream colored thread.

I dunno...I grew up using an old Singer to make clothes and used thread from Woolworth's.

[bakermom]

Re: threads and needles

I dunno...I grew up using an old Singer to make clothes and used thread from Woolworth's.

Yeah, me too!

[Dragonfly]

Re: threads and needles

Zenkitty, for some people this is an important issue, if you were a quilt artist or a professional quiltmaker or a (oops best not say that here). Seriously if the needle is producing a nice even stitch and not damaging you fabric then use it. Like the others have said, if you are using a heavy thread then you may need a larger needle since the eye needs to be large enough to not damage the thread. I prefer to use the smallest that works but other than that I'm not too seriously fussed.

The only time I would say that you must use a specific needle is if you using metallic thread, it requires a special eye shape so as to not shred the thread...trust me I know how frustrating this is, a Topstitch or Metallica needle for this.

Just use what you have that works and don't stress on it.

[Lola2Ace]

Re: threads and needles

Lynn, I forgot all about metallic needles. This got me thinking about my needles, so I started looking and I found metallic and quilting needles. So, that is what I am using (quilting needles) to machine quilt this girly quilt. My stitches are nice and even using them and the tension is much better. I only wish my stitching was a bit straighter, but I am taking it to heart that there aren't any quilting police LOL .
Lola

[zenkitty]

Re: threads and needles

Thanks. Being new to the quilting world, I am finding so many new products, threads, needles, that it can be overwhelming. I just enjoy sewing. Making charity quilts, pillowcases, maybe some dolls, is all I want to do. I am discovering my own voice in this and to use what works. Simple is good.

I think using Metallica thread is a long way off for now. But when I'm ready for it, I know where to come for answers!! This is a great forum.

[SuzyQue]

Re: threads and needles

zenkitty---I just took a quilting class that spent an hour on threads and an hour on needles. More information than anyone will use, I think. I think if you are having problems, have a specialty issue, or are submitting to a quilt show as an quilt artist....you might need to know and use this info. I agree with others here---if it works, it will be fine. I imagine as I improve, I might want to try other needles and threads to improve even more, but for now, as a beginner.....it works. SuzyQue

[Dragonfly]

Re: threads and needles

I imagine as I improve, I might want to try other needles and threads to improve even more, but for now, as a beginner.....it works. SuzyQue

Exactly Suzy, I have a full range of specialist needles and different threads for different jobs but am still guilty on swapping projects and not swapping needles. When you are first learning it does not need to be the thing you focus on, if it sews nicely, it's doing the job and you can focus on other more important things.

[Sandy Navas]

Re: threads and needles

Yeah, me too!

Me, too!

Got an alert that my message was too short, so now it is longer.

[Lynnette]

Re: threads and needles

I love how laid back quilters are. I just recently started quilting and use an old singer and started with old thread I already had. - The only problem I've had is that some thread breaks easier than others - so I'm buying better quilting thread for machine work and using up my old stuff to baste. Jo Ann 's have thread on sale right now - Sign up with them and you'll get some extra coupons.
Enjoy!