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needle makes "popping" noise?
Cat n Bull   Advanced NC USA Member since 2/17/06 Posts: 2205	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/13 7:41 PM I just finished 4 embroidered blocks for a quilt, and I noticed the needle makes a popping sound sometimes. It is USUALLY when the embroidery is more than one layer thick. I was using an embroidery size 14 needle, brand new. I only used it for 2 blocks, then switched to another brand new one. 2 of the designs had 10,000 stitches and 2 had 5,000, so not real big or stitch heavy designs. Was using quilting cotton, and heavy tear away stabilizer with an extra layer of wash away in between (trying to avoid puckers on the cotton). When I get that popping, do I need a bigger needle? Smaller? ------ Cathryn
Miss Fairchild   Advanced USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 7111	Login to reply to this post In reply to Cat n Bull << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/28/13 8:16 PM I know the sound you are talking about as I get it with quilting, too. I would say the needle is too thick and you need a smaller one, but I'm willing to wait until others check in. ------ "We don't impose our rhythm on Nature. The key is to respect and live within Her." Jean-Charles Boisset, Winemaker "And no, now that you asked, I didn't enjoy that play one bit, and I'd like a refund" Signed, Mrs. Lincoln My Etsy shop: auntmaymesattic My blog: auntmaymesattic.wordpress.com Avatar: First place award for jacket at county fair
JanyceR   Advanced CO USA Member since 2/3/07 Posts: 1073	Login to reply to this post In reply to Cat n Bull << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/28/13 9:00 PM I think your needle is too large. I think an 11 or 12 would eliminate the popping. I use an 11 almost exclusively with embroidery, unless I am using a thicker thread. ------ Pfaff Performance 5, a few Berninas, several vintage multiple manufacturers. Love all my machines!
mary in FL   Intermediate FL USA Member since 4/28/02 Posts: 972	Login to reply to this post In reply to Cat n Bull << 3 members like this. Date: 1/28/13 9:16 PM When my needle "talks" to me, it means it's too big for the job or getting dull. Even though I'm talking about my sewing machine, I think these might apply to your embroidery machine. ------ from Daytona Beach, FL http://mary-sews.blogspot.com/
goodworks1   Advanced IL USA Member since 7/19/03 Posts: 3326	Login to reply to this post Like this post Subject: needle makes popping noise? Date: 1/28/13 9:24 PM Sometimes I get this when I'm stitching a very tightly woven batik (like the Hoffman ones) I don't have much experience with stabilizers. Since it happens when there's already extra thread in the mix, I wonder if it matters which type of thread you are using? For instance, a poly thread might be stronger than a rayon, etc. -- Edited on 1/28/13 9:26 PM -- ------ blog: goodworks1.wordpress.com
Cat n Bull   Advanced NC USA Member since 2/17/06 Posts: 2205	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/28/13 9:36 PM Thanks everyone! I had a feeling the needle was too big, but it was the smallest non-microtek/sharp needle I had! My machine is SO incredibly needle picky! I just broke my last few topstitch 12's when I embroidered that WAAAYYY too dense monster design. I can do piecing with the microtek/sharps, but FMQ or embroidery HAS to be topstitch needles, or Princess doesn't sew well. She doesn't even like embroidery needles for embroidering! Grrrrrr....persnickety machine..... I just ordered a box of 130 size 12 topstitch needles! THAT should keep Princess happy for a while! Next month (we get one paycheck a month!) I'll get a big box of size 14's. ------ Cathryn
Peggy   Advanced Beginner MT USA Member since 10/8/02 Posts: 653	Login to reply to this post Like this post Subject: needle makes popping noise? Date: 1/28/13 9:42 PM When my needle makes a popping noise I know it is time to change it.
Sewmissy2   Advanced MO USA Member since 12/5/10 Posts: 107	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/29/13 8:07 AM I would use a 75/11 embroidery needle. A size 14 is for embroidering thick fabric only.
Cat n Bull   Advanced NC USA Member since 2/17/06 Posts: 2205	Login to reply to this post In reply to Peggy << Like this post Date: 1/29/13 5:21 PM this was a brand new needle, it was used less than 30 minutes. It was just too big! ------ Cathryn
Cat n Bull   Advanced NC USA Member since 2/17/06 Posts: 2205	Login to reply to this post In reply to Sewmissy2 << Like this post Date: 1/29/13 5:23 PM my machine doesn't seem to like embroidery needles, even for embroidering! I used a universal size 12 needle today and it was fine. I only made one small thing though. ------ Cathryn

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