A friend asked me about needles. I'm no expert, but I'm will to share what I know!
Many of my latest projects involve embroidery. I'm kinda stuck on DMC's size #10 embroidery needles - the smaller the needle the smaller the stitch.
For machine sewing, my first machine instructor said to always use Schmetz. She said cheap needles tend to be pretty solid, and you want, during the first sign of trouble, a needle that'll break. WHAT? You WANT it to break??? Apparently, yes. Because cheap needles, when you hit a pin, will bend. And do you want that bent needle jamming down into your machine as you continue sewing?
For piecing, I use 70/10. For machine quilting, I like the thicker 80/12.
Now, sewing down the binding... that's a different story. LOVE my RoxanneTM straw needles. (Insert mild panic attack here - searching the web for a link for you and -gasp-gasp- I can't find them anymore!) Does this mean I have to hoard my remaining needles? You betcha!
One of the most important (and most often forgotten) tip about needles: disposal! You don't want this sweet baby coming across an old needle, do you?)
I have several travel-size tea bag tins that I keep around. With each new project, OUT goes the needle into the tin and IN goes a fresh one! With so many coupons at your local fabric store, no sense in skimping!
My mother started teaching me to sew on her machine back when I was 9 or 10. For needles she used 'whatever', and for years I did the same. When I bought my first Bernina about 10 years ago I was advised to use either Bernina or Schmetz needles, and I have done so ever since. Machines nowadays are too expensive to take a risk with.
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