What is the best size sewing machine needle for quilting?

A size 60/8 is very fine and 120/19 is heavy duty. For general piecing on quilting fabric I like to use a 70/10 or 80/12 and adjust my size depending on the project. Slightly rounded point. General-purpose needle suitable for a wide range of fabrics.

What size needle should I use for free motion quilting?

Choose the size of the needle by the weight of the thread A general rule of thumb is 40 wt thread requires a size 75 needle. If your thread is heavier (smaller number), increase your needle size (larger number)–and vice versa.

Can I use a regular sewing machine to quilt?

While you can use just about use any regular sewing machine for quilting (a quilting machine is a sewing machine after all!), a quilting machine has a variety of add-ons and capabilities that really separate the two.

Why is my quilt back puckering?

Puckering, little sewn-in pleats and fabric that is pulled out of place (“drag”) are all caused by shifting of the layers while quilting. Careful basting, supporting the weight of the quilt while sewing, and adjusting your machine can make all the difference.

What does needle size 75 11 mean?

0.75mm
A 75/11 needle has a blade that is 0.75mm in diameter. Standard sewing conditions will utilize needle sizes ranging from 65/9 to 80/12 needles. Smaller needles work well for finer materials, thinner threads, and delicate detail work. Larger needles work well for tougher and more abrasive materials.

What is a 12 80 needle used for?

Double Eye 80/12 A Universal needle with two eyes, used on wovens and knits. Used with two threads for topstitching, shading and texturing effects and for embroidery.

Is free motion quilting hard?

Free motion quilting can be a challenging technique to master on your home sewing machine. If you’re used to quilt piecing or garment sewing, you’re used to the machine feeding the fabric forward and producing beautiful, evenly spaced stitches.

Is cotton or polyester thread better for quilting?

Cotton threads generally have a matte finish while polyester threads will have a bit of shine. Cotton threads will produce some lint while sewing, while polyester threads don’t produce lint. Cotton is great for piecing, while polyester is better used for quilting. Cotton will shrink, while polyester will not.

How do you choose the needle size for a quilt?

HOW TO CHOOSE THE NEEDLE SIZE. Needle size is determined by the weight of the thread. The heavier the thread, the larger the needle needs to be. Choose your thread first. Then match thread weight to the needle size.

What kind of needle guide do I need for my sewing machine?

Use with decorative machine quilting threads that need some babying like metallics. This needle comes in large sizes, that are a bit too large for my taste. Larger needles leaves larger holes. Match your needle to your chosen thread. And no Sewing Machine Needle Guide would be complete without this last needle.

How to choose a needle for free motion quilting?

Let’s start with two guidelines: Choose the size of the needle by the weight of the thread A general rule of thumb is 40 wt thread requires a size 75 needle. If your thread is heavier (smaller number), increase your needle size (larger number)–and vice versa. Choose the type of needle by the type of thread and the type of fabric.

What kind of needle should I use for 50 weight thread?

Then match thread weight to the needle size. It is helpful to remember that a 50 weight thread should be paired with a size 80/12 needle. (80 is the European size, while 12 is the American needle numbering system.) If you look at the chart below, start in the middle. Pair 50 wt thread with size 80/12 needle.