Although this theory is not definitively proven, it’s really cool to think about quilt patterns used for such important missions, isn’t it? Through my quilting I am usually not directly helping people in need, however I do like to think that I’m honoring some incredibly brave men and women when I use this specific pattern. If that doesn't work, switch to a larger needle.The Bear Paw block pattern would be a sign that slaves were on the right track to life-saving resources and shelter on their long trek to freedom.
Slow your hands down! You're probably moving the sandwich too fast for the Bending or breaking sewing machine needles while free motion quilting?.Breaking needles? Change to a stronger needle like a Jeans/Denim or Topstitching needle in the size appropriate to your thread.Thread breaking? First check that your machine is properly threaded with the thread in the tension guides.Don't be penny-wise and pound foolish! Sewing machine needles are cheap! More often than not they are the cause of your problems.Using many different threads in a project? Be prepared to use different types and sizes of needles to match the needle to the thread.A damaged point affects the quality of your stitches. Change to another new needle if nothing seems to be working. Needle is fresh out of the package? That doesn't mean it is perfect.New project? Start with a new sewing needle.General Guidelines for Sewing Machine Needles You are not breaking or bending needles as you free motion quilt. The shaft should be strong enough and thick enough that The larger the number, the thicker and stronger the shaft. The sewing needle size marked on the package refers to the size of the Something shiny or glitzy to say, "HEY! Look at this!" Needle Size If you want it to show, you're probably using something special. If you're topstitching, you pretty much want that stitching to show. This makes sense when you think about it. The groove on a topstitching needle is also deeper. Groove protects, or babies, the thread as it passes through the fabric. Intended for use with metallic threads, the groove is much deeper. Specialty needles, like the Metallic or Metafil which are Sewing machine needle like the Universal, this groove is shallow. Its purpose is to cradle the thread as the thread slidesīack and forth through the fabric until a stitch is made. There's a groove down the front of the needle. However, for a fabric with a high thread count like a batik, pima cotton orĬotton sateen, my recommendation is to use a Schmetz Microtex Sharp Size
Universal needle is sharp enough for most fabrics. The needle point should be shaped and sharp enough to pass through theįabric without undue stress while sewing. You can “eyeball” how big the needle eye is compared to the thread. The thread to pass through the layers of your quilt, without leaving an Needle EyeĪ good rule of thumb is that the needle eye should be roughly 2 to 3
Then choose your sewing machine needle as follows. On your supply list and small enough to do a decent job with theĪfter you have quilted for awhile. The eye of this sewing machine needle is big enough to accommodate the recommended 50 wt cotton thread Local quilt store or big box stores like Joann's. These needles are readily available in your The problem is, for most threads, this needle leaves a wickedly big hole in your patchwork.įor a beginning quilter, a Universal 80/12 Makes a bigger hole thus causing less friction or stress on the threadĪs it passes through your quilt while sewing. The rationale is this size needle has a bigger eye and Many books and classes recommend a 90/14 Top Stitching needle for