sewing machine needles

[she-quilts]

I've always heard that all machines can use a standard needle like a Schmetz needle except Singers. Is that still true?

Do you have a Janome that uses Schmetz or regular needles or do they have to have special Janome needles?

Thanks! ...Shopping with a friend but I'm a Bernina girl so don't know this answer.

[she-quilts]

I use Schmetz needles in my Janome (I also use a non-branded one that I get from Boyes's - a local department chain around Yorkshire) and don't have any problems provided I use the right size for the thread/job :wink:

[Reetzbobeetz]

I have used lots of different kinds of needles on my Janome without any problems either.

[she-quilts]

Thank you for your quick responses! Glad she won't have to add special needles to her list.

[theothermarion]

I have recently heard that you should replace needles every week or 40 hours of quilting. This adds up to a lot of needles (This from someone who replaced them when they broke or I heard them punch the fabric....) I recently went to titanium needles, which stay sharp until you break them. Organ is the manufacturer a local shop stocks.

[Sewdreamy]

I have recently heard that you should replace needles every week or 40 hours of quilting. This adds up to a lot of needles (This from someone who replaced them when they broke or I heard them punch the fabric....) I recently went to titanium needles, which stay sharp until you break them. Organ is the manufacturer a local shop stocks.

I always thought that concept was developed by the needle industry. I normally only replace them when they start misbehaving or break and haven't had any problem from that. The titanium needles really last a LOT longer. Every now and then, though, I will feel the end of the needle to see if it has developed a barb or is bent. I'll replace them then too.

[Zarah]

I'm with you on this one, Betty Jo

[Zarah]

I have a singer machine that I bought several years ago when I started back sewing and it takes a schmetz needle. I don't know about older singers though. I have my Mom's old one and I will have to check that out. I use my needles until they break or I notice a problem with the sewing. I mostly use the Superior titanium needles. I love the 70 size, just glides thru the fabric. Mostly use it for piecing, some applique. Sandi

[quilting00]

Whether I'm piecing or quilting, I replace a schmetz needle after every four bobbins worth of thread. I find that I have less needle breaks, less burrs/popping if I follow this procedure. My thought that once I notice a problem, I've probably sewn some time with the issue and I'd rather just change the needle a bit more regularly than be disappointed with the way the stitch looks when it is caused by a mechanical issue rather than by me the human!!!

[theothermarion]

That is a lot of needles! Have you thought about the titanium needles?

[she-quilts]

I used to replace my needles more often. Then I attended a workshop by a national teacher and he said he doesn't change until he hears that the needle is worn. I'm good with that and have quit wasting needles now. I agree with the teacher that the change so often is a ploy from the needle makers. My .02.

[Renata]

I tend to agree with not changing needles every so many hours or bobbins... I have finally become attuned to the popping through the fabric my needle makes when it is starting to wear down (but the stitch is still perfect) and the clunking sound my machine starts to make when it needs oil. As for titanium needles, I haven't tried them so I should not say, but my first blush reaction is that they should last longer considering how much more expensive they are than regular Schmetz needles and I have to wonder whether after a cost analysis of the two (which I don't plan to do!) that the price might not be a wash anyway... any opinions out there from those who use titanium needles?

[Renata]

I use titanium needles in my long arm and love them! They do last a very long time...I only change them if they break or the stitching starts to degrade. I would assume this was true in a DSM also.

[Sewdreamy]

I believe titanium needles last so much longer (and perform extremely well) that the cost analysis would prove you come out better with the titanium. I do hunt around the Internet and jump on sales for restocking them though. That helps too.

[Renata]

Thanks Michelle and BJ! Do most people who invest in titanium needles purchase topstitch needles for FMQ or do they also use titanium needles (not sure which kind) for piecing? Not a frivolous question--I'm willing to give them a try but I'm trying to figure out what to get... :?