March Thread-Along
Posted by cottonmillthreadworks on Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
There's talk about spring cleaning in the air, so this might be a good time to to organize our notions. The smallest, least expensive tool, but the most important in terms of producing a good stitch, is the humble needle. It is also the hardest working tool, making its way through various layers of fabrics, battings, stabilizers, fusibles, and anything else we choose to put on our creations.
Needles are disposable items, and do wear down with use. The general rule of thumb is one needle = one project. The Titanium Topstitch needles by Organ have a thin coating of titanium which increases their longevity by 5 to 8 times over chrome-plated needles. So for very little additional cost one needle = 5-8 projects.
Rather than have a huge assortment of different needle styles and sizes, I have now honed my collection down to the 4 needles that go with any thread I choose to use. Always match your needle to the thread, rather than your needle to the job. If I am using a very fine thread such as Kimono Silk, MonoPoly invisible, or Bottom Line I will use the Titanium Topstitch 70:
A larger size, Topstitch 100, is also available. This is perfect for using with very heavy threads such as a perle 8 cotton. Or if a 30 wt. like Brytes isn't working well with a Topstitch 90 then switch to the size 100:
Needle sizes are opposite to thread sizes, so as the weight of your thread goes lower (heavier thread) the number of your needle goes up (larger needle). Clear as mud? Let's hand this next part over to Dr. Bob - a great clip that explains why a Topstitch needle is probably the only needle you will ever need:
And for those quilters who encounter problems with needles breaking, here's a list that may help identify the problem before it occurs:
When using a mid-range, average weight thread such as Masterpiece, or So Fine I go to the next largest needle, the Titanium Topstitch 80:
And when using heavier weight or metallic threads I use the Titanium Topstitch 90 needle. Threads such as King Tut, Rainbows, Glitter and Metallic perform best with this size. The large, elongated eye means that there is no shredding, the thread has lots of room to pass through the eye of the needle. Problems with quilting on batiks? Try a Topstitch 90 needle (thanks to Heather Stewart for this one!):
A larger size, Topstitch 100, is also available. This is perfect for using with very heavy threads such as a perle 8 cotton. Or if a 30 wt. like Brytes isn't working well with a Topstitch 90 then switch to the size 100:
Needle sizes are opposite to thread sizes, so as the weight of your thread goes lower (heavier thread) the number of your needle goes up (larger needle). Clear as mud? Let's hand this next part over to Dr. Bob - a great clip that explains why a Topstitch needle is probably the only needle you will ever need:
But what Dr. Bob doesn't tell you is that finally someone has addressed the fact that some brands of needles come in plastic packs that are increasingly difficult to open. If you belong to the demographic that has been struggling to get to your needles, you will be pleasantly surprised at how easily the Superior/Organ packet just slides open.
And for those quilters who encounter problems with needles breaking, here's a list that may help identify the problem before it occurs:
10 Reasons Needles Break
1. Bent, or poor quality needle.
2. Fine needle used with heavy fabric.
3. Needle inserted incorrectly.
4. Wrong foot for zig zag stitching.
5. Wrong needle plate for zig zag stitching (change from single stitch plate for this!)
6. Changing needle position with needle in the down position.
7. Pulling fabric while needle down.
8. Stitching over pins.
9. Loose presser foot.
10. Upper thread tension way too tight - this pulls on needle.
SAVE 15% ON ALL 4 SIZES OF TITANIUM TOPSTITCH NEEDLES!
Enter discount code: top during checkout. Sale price will appear before you confirm your purchase.
Special pricing in effect until next month's Thread-Along (posted mid-month).
And now - off you go - put a fresh needle in your machine!
Enter discount code: top during checkout. Sale price will appear before you confirm your purchase.
Special pricing in effect until next month's Thread-Along (posted mid-month).
And now - off you go - put a fresh needle in your machine!
Category:
Thread-Along
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