I tend to use 80's 'universal' for nearly everything (and I use them 'until they drop'/get a bent tip), I also have 70's for finer (silks) fabrics. If you are planning on using heavier threads you will need 90's and maybe even 100's, and you might consider getting the larger sizes in the 'top stitch' needle.

If you think that you might be called on to machine knit fabrics you will need 'stretch' or 'ballpoint' needles - it does make a difference.

Bob the thread guy has some useful information about needles over at Superior Threads website, and it might be worth checking out the Bernina tutorials on TQS to see what they cover.

so, jumping in here (I'm the friend that She-Quilts was asking about ) ---- my Janome dealer says the machine comes with Organ needles, and that his shop carries both Organ and Schmetz for around the same price. Is one better than the other? He said both will work in my machine. What kind(s) of needles do I need for basic piecing and quilting? I don't plan, yet, anything odd or fancy that I might need specialty needles for, and those would be easy to ship over if I change my mind. But just to get started?? I have a pack of 5 Schmetz needles already, plus I think the machine comes with 3 I believe he said; do I need more?

correction: i have 2 packs of 5, 1 pack each of 2 different sizes.

I'm right in there with you gals who put the used needle back into the needle case. I place my used (but still good) needle flat side up, whereas they come from the factory flat side to the back of the case. This way they are right where I expect them to be, and I don't have to search the pin cushion for just the right one.

I will probably not be trying the titanium, as I tend to hit a pin now and then :shock: (Like I did just today!), and I would be devastated to do that with an expensive titanium!

Dawn
In beautiful Norhtwest Montana

Ritzy that happened to me too with my Superior Titanium needles. I really prefer the straight forward Organ 75/11 one that you buy in a paper packet of 10. These seem to me to sew beautifully for both piecing and quilting. Just not so easy to get here - but I do have one source.

Great idea Norma. When I have a needle or pin that has lived it's life, I put it in an old dental floss box. I just slide the pins and needles in it and when it is full, throw it away(I haven't yet had to throw one away ;o). I use a needle until I kill it. I have used the titanium needles by Superior. The project I was working on broke two of them in one sitting and I decided that was too expensive to repeat. I think I have one needle left--maybe I can actually find out if they last longer.

heartnsoulquilts wrote:
This is a good idea. Thanks. I like the little quilt too!

What a surprise to see my own quilt here
Everyone who wants to copy my idea should be very welcome. Please post pics when you are finished. I want to enjoy yours as well.

For years I lived with sticky notes on my machine. That was where my needles were placed when not in use, but when I got my embroidery machine I wanted to challenge myself to see if I could make a quilt to keep track of the needles. Then I got another machine and with three machines I really needed these quilts.

heartnsoulquilts wrote:
I do exactly the same thing and it works for me!

I also put used needles back in the case... but I put them upside down, so I know they are used.

For needles and pins that are broken or worn out, I use a prescription bottle with a safety lid. When the bottle is full, I dispose of them in it.

Brilliant idea, I'm going to do one too.

I put used needles partially worn back in their original case but on the left.

Wow Norma! That's neat! I'd like to make several, if you don't mind.

Yep that worked, thanks. What a cute idea. Norma, I might have to copy that, hope you don't mind?

Oh Bother!

try this one instead http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/photo.php/photos_id/6514

and if that still doesn't work, go to Zarah/Norma's profile and look at the last personal photo.

Needles do have their size written on them, but it's VERY small print. Since I change needle sizes, and sometimes types, when I switch between quilting projects or between quilting and piecing, I now put a little piece of painters tape on the top of my machine with the size and type of needle I'm using. When I switch needles, I pull up the tape and wrap it around the top of the needle and stick it in my pin cushion. I don't keep track of how old my needle are or how much use they've gotten. If one seems to be having trouble or sounding funny, I put it into a tin so that I can take it to my local guild for recycling. I've been using the Superior titanium topstitch needles a lot lately, but only buy them when they are on sale. I use a smaller needle, generally a 70, for piecing. Don't know if I'm doing anything right or wrong, but it all works for me.

Nancy