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Member since 7/8/08
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Posted on: 9/14/20 11:33 AM ET
I have a medium weight ponte knit cut out and in searching for machine needles have discovered I only have Schmetz stretch 75/11, Schmetz Jersey 80/12 and 90/14. I think the jersey won’t work at all given their size but would the stretch work okay on medium ponte? I’ll test it out on scraps, but wonder if anyone else has successfully used stretch needles to completed a ponte project or if you ran into problems. And if so what problems did you face?
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Posted on: 9/14/20 12:00 PM ET
In reply to PammyJ
It has been a while, but I'm pretty sure I only used Stretch 75/11 needles when I made all my ponte pants. Some people o know, as well as here on PR, swear by Microtex needles. I have used them successfully, too.

That said, when I'm top stitching a waistband where there will be lots of layers, I use a size 90 needle.
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Member since 8/24/16
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Posted on: 9/14/20 12:05 PM ET
In reply to PammyJ
Size 11 or 12 regular sewing machine stretch needles will work fine for this ponte. No microtex needles, though. Those can pierce and cut the loops of knit fabrics.
If you are using a serger, the regular universal needles will work.
Happy stitching!
  
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Posted on: 9/14/20 12:16 PM ET
In reply to PammyJ
I sew LOTS of ponte pants (mostly medium weight) and always use Schmetz Universal 80/12 in my sewing machines, along with either 80/12 or 90/14 Universals in my serger and coverstitch machines (whichever is in there at the moment). I have a huge supply of needles and can use any, but I find medium weight ponte to be the most forgiving fabric in terms of needles. I also find Universals to be, well......universal.
  
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Posted on: 9/14/20 8:18 PM ET
Thank you all for chiming in! Really wanted to sew today but was concerned I didn’t have a needle type that would work. Been a long time since I’ve sewn knits. Put the stretch needle in and using my walking foot. So far everything looks good. Thanks again for sharing and putting my mind at ease.


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Focus on the good, it will help you get through the hard and heartbreaks.
Be consistent. Be persistent. Keep moving.
  
Member since 3/5/19
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Posted on: 9/14/20 9:02 PM ET
In reply to PammyJ
Last time I sewed ponte I got skipped stitches like crazy until I switched to a size 14. I wasn’t expecting it because the ponte wasn’t particularly thick.
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Posted on: 9/14/20 9:05 PM ET
In reply to vstevens0901
Hmmm. I will look closer at my stitches tomorrow morning before I start top stitching. Maybe do a practice swatch. Thanks for sharing your experience.
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Focus on the good, it will help you get through the hard and heartbreaks.
Be consistent. Be persistent. Keep moving.
  
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Posted on: 9/14/20 10:08 PM ET
In reply to PammyJ
No problem! Just thought I’d mention it in case you run across that problem.
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Posted on: 9/15/20 0:44 AM ET
In reply to vstevens0901
Thanks for the tip. I've also experienced skipped stitches when sewing with medium weight ponte. Next time I'll have to try the larger needle as you've suggested.
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