Selecting the right sewing machine needle can make a big difference in how your sewing project turns out. Rhonda Pierce, a spokesperson for Schmetz needles, explains how to determine the right needle, what are some needle options, and even when you should change a machine needle. The avid quilter and sewing enthusiast shares her knowledge about what she calls “the most important 2-inch piece of steel in the home sewing machine” in this episode of Sewing With Threads.

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Needle Selection Resource

Schmetz, a part of Euro-notions, Inc., provides extensive online resources. Rhonda suggests checking out the needle supplier’s Helpful Tools page for the Schmetz ABC Pocket Guide, exhaustive listing of fabric types and recommended needles, and needle color code chart.

 

Needle Knowledge

In this podcast, Rhonda explains what the colored bands on the needles signify and why there are two numbers on every needle packet. She also describes the best needles to use when sewing vinyl, faux and genuine leather, fun or faux fur, fleece, and even quilting cotton and batik fabric.

Listen in for the differences between needle types and an explanation of Microtex, or sharp, needles and super nonstick needles. If you were wondering what the difference is between stretch and ballpoint needles, you’ll want to catch Rhonda’s discussion about them, too.

Change Your Needle

Rhonda also details four sure signs that it’s time to change your sewing machine needle.

“Changing out the needle can solve a lot of problems,” she says, noting that “it is the least expensive part to your machine.”

What needles would this needle expert choose if she was limited to just five?

It’s a combination pack of quilting and piecing needles that includes Microtex and universal needles for her quilting and fashion sewing, shown above.

The Microtex 80/12 is Rhonda’s favorite needle, particularly for quilting. However, “the universal is the workhorse of all needle types,” she says. “I don’t care what kind of sewing one does. You always need a universal, especially an 80/12 and 90/14 in your stash.”

More Schmetz Needles Information

Find out more about Schmetz and sewing machine needles at SchmetzNeedles.com; on social media at #Schmetzneedles.

 

 

 

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This episode’s sponsor

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