That's all very well Rosemary.... but I can't open is as it says URL not found!!!

Another alternative is Norma's solution

The size of needle is written on them - I remember seeing it a loooong time ago.

Good idea to write type and size on piece of tape on machine.

I'm in the same place as you are, Rita, when it comes to needles. If I hear the popping sound as the needle goes through the fabric, I know it is time to change the needle. I'm also finding that despite what the industry says, including Superior Threads on occasion, I find some needles work better for me than others, especially with specialty threads. This afternoon, I shredded Superior metallic thread with both the topstitch and metallic needles. When I went back to a plain old jersey SUK needle, all was glorious again! This has happened before, so why did I have to go through that whole cycle again! Because I forget???

I have used titanium needles and lots of other kinds. Like you Renata I have begun to hear when my needle is not sewing so well and then know it's time to change. I think the titanium ones last longer but I can't be sure as I am not methodical enough to keep dates/ times in my head or anywhere else. I always have these great intentions to stick a piece of masking tape to my machine with the needle number and date on it...but then I forget as I am usually in the middle of something when a needle breaks, or I am just keen to get going with whatever I am doing. But mostly I just change my needle when my thread is not happy and if I think I have had enough out of the needle I dump it or I stick it in a pin cushion. Sharon Pederson has a great suggestion for keeping partially used needles in one of her classes here - but it's too organized for my brain.

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...

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

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!!!

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

I'm with you on this one, Betty Jo