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stretch needles, serger, coverstitch...which for what? (Moderated by EleanorSews)
Posted on: 8/19/06 3:17 PM ET
So, I am totally confused about needles! I'll ask a bunch of seperate questions; feel free to answer any or all...
1) When a stretch needle is recommended for a certain fabric, does that recommendation apply to serger needles and/or coverstitch needles, or only to sewing machine needles?
2) Do most people switch from sharps to ballpoints in their sergers and coverstitch machines, or just stick with a universal needle?
3) This is machine-specific, but I have a Janome 1000CP now and I'm afraid I don't even know what kind of needles I'm using...they just came on the machine, and the machine asks for a rather specific kind of needle, but I'm not sure if it comes in ballpoint/sharp variations or if it is a universal. It doesn't seem to ravel knits, but maybe I just haven't picked one that I need to worry about yet. Anyway, pretty soon I'll need to change them and I need to figure out what to buy.
4) My White serger says to use Organ needles, but are they really different from Schmetz to a point where it matters?
Thanks!
Dana
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1) When a stretch needle is recommended for a certain fabric, does that recommendation apply to serger needles and/or coverstitch needles, or only to sewing machine needles?
2) Do most people switch from sharps to ballpoints in their sergers and coverstitch machines, or just stick with a universal needle?
3) This is machine-specific, but I have a Janome 1000CP now and I'm afraid I don't even know what kind of needles I'm using...they just came on the machine, and the machine asks for a rather specific kind of needle, but I'm not sure if it comes in ballpoint/sharp variations or if it is a universal. It doesn't seem to ravel knits, but maybe I just haven't picked one that I need to worry about yet. Anyway, pretty soon I'll need to change them and I need to figure out what to buy.
4) My White serger says to use Organ needles, but are they really different from Schmetz to a point where it matters?
Thanks!
Dana
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Dana
Posted on: 8/19/06 3:21 PM ET
Oh yeah, and one more thing....what is a Janome blue tip needle? Furthermore, why doesn't Janome's website tell you anything more than the fact that a Blue Tip needle has, well, a blue tip? Hello! Is it stretch, sharp, ballpoint, universal? Argh!
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Dana
Posted on: 8/19/06 5:00 PM ET
In reply to dvazz
This is a good question! I never thought of changing the needle/needles in the serger if I am working on a knit fabric.
I will be looking for the answer. Thanks for asking such a good question.
Carol
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I will be looking for the answer. Thanks for asking such a good question.
Carol
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Currently working on a boys quilt. Sized 40 x 40 inches. It has chickens, chicken eggs, cows, fish, sea life, afield with water, Dachshunds, mini sailboats, and many colorful other fabrics. The blocks are a 4 x 4 finished size, so many of them are needed.
This my 4th quilt in 7 months.
Bernina 630, Bernina embroidery module, Pfaff 2036, Bernina 1200DA serger, Unique Sewing Cabinet 450L
Gardening info: zone 8 standard map and zone 6 Sunset map
This my 4th quilt in 7 months.
Bernina 630, Bernina embroidery module, Pfaff 2036, Bernina 1200DA serger, Unique Sewing Cabinet 450L
Gardening info: zone 8 standard map and zone 6 Sunset map
Posted on: 8/19/06 8:08 PM ET
I'm afraid I can't answer your machine specific question.
As to the rest: I always try to use the same type of needle in the serger that I use in the regular machine (assuming I need both machines for the same project, of course.) Sometimes I cheat on this, particularly if the project is not something particularly special. However, I don't believe that is the preferred thing to do.
My coverstitch requires special needles that don't come in different flavors only in different sizes.
As to the rest: I always try to use the same type of needle in the serger that I use in the regular machine (assuming I need both machines for the same project, of course.) Sometimes I cheat on this, particularly if the project is not something particularly special. However, I don't believe that is the preferred thing to do.
My coverstitch requires special needles that don't come in different flavors only in different sizes.
Posted on: 8/19/06 8:51 PM ET
I can only give input on one or two...
First, here's what my Janome manual says about Blue Tip Needle: "when sewing stretch, very fine or synthetic fabrics, choose a Blue Tip which effectively prevents skipped stitches. So, my conclusion would be it's a stretch needle with a special hollow over the eye.
Second, my Janome does NOT like schmetz needles, it must have Organ. It does take schmetz TWINS fine, but wants nothing to do with singles. It runs totally different w them in, and goes right back to purring happily when using Organ needles.
HTH!
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First, here's what my Janome manual says about Blue Tip Needle: "when sewing stretch, very fine or synthetic fabrics, choose a Blue Tip which effectively prevents skipped stitches. So, my conclusion would be it's a stretch needle with a special hollow over the eye.
Second, my Janome does NOT like schmetz needles, it must have Organ. It does take schmetz TWINS fine, but wants nothing to do with singles. It runs totally different w them in, and goes right back to purring happily when using Organ needles.

HTH!
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EvaSAHM to 2 beautiful girls, born Sept'01 and June'04!
Posted on: 8/19/06 8:57 PM ET
Ok.. needles... I have been working on my needle skills, spoken like a teacher ehhh??
I mostly use Schmez universal needles - because they can do most knits and wovens.
Sharp needles are great for tight wovens that need good piercing power.
Ball needles are best for those fussy knits, especially really fine ones that just don't like the universals.
I change my needles:
Sewing machine for every project--better safe than sorry and I almost never have stitch problems this way. I also kind of swish out lint from the bobbin area and feed dogs after each project especially if the fabric is linty. I vacuum when the mood strikes.
Serger--these needles seem to last longer so I change them every few projects... again better safe than sorry. I generally use universals but will switch to sharps or balls when I feel it is warrented.
I Keep Track of what needle is in my machine by storing the little needle case next to the machine. I put away any needle case I am done with right away so I don't get mixed up.
Hope this helps.
I mostly use Schmez universal needles - because they can do most knits and wovens.
Sharp needles are great for tight wovens that need good piercing power.
Ball needles are best for those fussy knits, especially really fine ones that just don't like the universals.
I change my needles:
Sewing machine for every project--better safe than sorry and I almost never have stitch problems this way. I also kind of swish out lint from the bobbin area and feed dogs after each project especially if the fabric is linty. I vacuum when the mood strikes.
Serger--these needles seem to last longer so I change them every few projects... again better safe than sorry. I generally use universals but will switch to sharps or balls when I feel it is warrented.
I Keep Track of what needle is in my machine by storing the little needle case next to the machine. I put away any needle case I am done with right away so I don't get mixed up.
Hope this helps.
Posted on: 8/19/06 10:41 PM ET
In reply to drsue
Quote: drsue
My coverstitch requires special needles that don't come in different flavors only in different sizes.
My coverstitch requires special needles that don't come in different flavors only in different sizes.
Aha! I sort of suspected that of mine, but didn't have enough info to confirm it. Good to know that is a possibility!
Thanks to all of you for the input! I suspected that a blue tip was a stretch needle but I didn't want to try it on a buttermilk unless this was correct. Also interesting to hear that organ and schmetz needles are different enough to cause a problem if you switch them. I will be sure to keep that in mind!
Dana
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Dana
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