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Member since 3/19/19
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Posted on: 4/26/21 7:27 PM ET
Does anyone know who manufactures needles for Singer?

The reason I ask is, I'm a loyal user of Schmetz needles for my older Pfaff machines. Lately I've been trying to sew Ponte knits (with spandex) and I'm getting skipped stitches with any type of Schmetz needle I've thrown at it, except a Universal 100/16 (which feels very rough while sewing, as if the needle is about to break, even though it doesn't seem to). However, I was surprised to see that a Singer titanium 100/16 ball point needle worked just fine. The size 100/16 ball point by Schmetz does not, so I assume Singer's needle are not manufactured by Schmetz.
  
Member since 5/2/09
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Posted on: 4/26/21 8:09 PM ET
I don't know, but my guess is that not many garment sewers use a size 16 needle (ballpoint or a stretch one with a special deeper scarf) on knits very often, so you might have a hard time doing any kind of large scale comparison like that. My guess is most people, for most knit things, would probably choose a 9,10,11 or 12 one instead, and about size 14 is actually the highest they would go, even if it was a nylon Lycra kind of swimsuit or some pointe double knit. So, anyone using a size 16 there, might not be all that common even. I have never tried to use a size 16 ballpoint or stretch needle on anything actually. Don't know about everyone else though.

One thing that can sometimes cause skip stitches though, is if your needle eye is so big that it lets the particular thread in it, jump around more. So, even if this does not help with the size 16 thing , possibly, depending on your thread, if you used a size 12 or 14 instead, the results might be better in a different kind of way and worth a try.

I use size 12 Stretch Schmetz needles in my 1990's Pfaff 1475CD machine sometimes on knits. Those have always worked out fine for me. To me, I like a size 12 there (with regular 3ply 40 ish weight garment sewing thread) much better than even a size 14 of those. I actually would never have any reason to use a size 16 Schmetz stretch needle in that machine for garment sewing ever, that I can think of. So, maybe try smaller one. I also have not bought any brand new Schmetz stretch needles (even in the size 12 or 14) for probably over a year or so though, just since I have a pretty big stock pile of them though.
-- Edited on 4/26/21 at 8:16 PM ET --

Correction- not always but most of the time. I have meet a few badly made knit fabrics, (most times synthetic and fake suede-ish) that no matter what needle or size I used and even if a stretch one and one with the deeper scarf like that, I still got skipped stitches due to fabric climbing up the needle on the upswing, and then the stitch just getting missed then. In that case, most times I resorted to sewing with tissue paper (even with a real stretch needle) over the fabric instead, and did have to rip it off later.
-- Edited on 4/26/21 at 8:27 PM ET --
  
Member since 8/11/13
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Posted on: 4/26/21 8:15 PM ET
In reply to Pfaff Pfantom
Quote: Pfaff Pfantom
Does anyone know who manufactures needles for Singer?



The reason I ask is, I'm a loyal user of Schmetz needles for my older Pfaff machines. Lately I've been trying to sew Ponte knits (with spandex) and I'm getting skipped stitches with any type of Schmetz needle I've thrown at it, except a Universal 100/16 (which feels very rough while sewing, as if the needle is about to break, even though it doesn't seem to). However, I was surprised to see that a Singer titanium 100/16 ball point needle worked just fine. The size 100/16 ball point by Schmetz does not, so I assume Singer's needle are not manufactured by Schmetz.

Have you tried a Schmetz stretch needle?
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Member since 3/19/19
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Posted on: 4/26/21 8:17 PM ET
In reply to cruzer2013
Yes, I've tried every Schmetz known to man -- only the 100 Universal works (but sews rough).
  
Member since 3/19/19
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Posted on: 4/26/21 8:24 PM ET
In reply to beauturbo
I almost exclusively sew knits (but I'm new to ponte knits with spandex), and I almost always use an 80/12 ball point by Schmetz. In theory that's what I should be using with this fabric. But anything under a 100/16 does not work -- and in this case, even the 100/16 ball point by Schmetz doesn't work (but the Singer brand does). I've also tried a 90/14 stretch and it also did not work, which is the largest stretch needle Schmetz makes.

I believe the issue I'm having is what is mentioned in this video: https://youtu.be/9Aq5zLTwxXs

"Stretch fabric can cause skipped stitches for sewing machines.

"When the needle moves down the needle eye will pull down in threads to both sides of the eye. One side ends in the previous stitch. The other side thread go up along the needle grove. With a larger needle the grove becomes bigger and will couse the friction to the thread being pulled down to be less. Therefore the pull in the previous stitch will also become less, and the deflection of fabric becomes less. In this way better loop formation is achieved, so the hook can better grab the thread."


-- Edited on 4/26/21 at 8:28 PM ET --
  
Member since 11/5/16
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Posted on: 4/26/21 8:38 PM ET
What type and size of thread are you using?
Also are you using a thread stand?
I believe the video is showing fabric flagging which will lead to skipped stitches. Using a straight stitch plate or stabilizer should help with this problem.
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Member since 3/19/19
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Posted on: 4/26/21 8:59 PM ET
In reply to ajknots
I'm using Gutermann Mara 100 (or Sew-All) and 120. But I've tried other brands as well and got the same results with Schmetz needles. Interestingly, Klasse 100/16 universal needles do not work whereas Schmetz do... I never knew there was such a difference with each brand.

A straight stitch plate wouldn't work in my case because I need to be able to do some zig zags. Stabilizer does help but I'm making garments with long seams and would rather not have to use it.

The Singer needles have basically solved the problem (although I would love to know why Schmetz needles don't work) -- I'm just curious as to who makes their needles for the sake of convenience and buying in larger quantities. I believe they are made in Brazil, along with Pfaff, Viking and Inspira needles; which seem to all be the same with different branding. Maybe SVP now manufacture their own.
-- Edited on 4/26/21 at 9:00 PM ET --
  
Member since 3/24/04
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Posted on: 4/26/21 9:23 PM ET
In reply to Pfaff Pfantom
The first two things I'd try would be to switch back to the needle size that best matches your thread, probably a size 11/75 or 12/80. Add a sheet of paper on top of a couple plies of your ponte, and stitch. If the stitches don't skip, the problem is likely "fabric flagging", where the fabric rises along with the needle. This tends to be a greater issue with machines capable of very wide stitches. Cure is often some combination of presser foot adjustment, limiting needle swing, and stabilizing the fabric.

Next thing I would try would be a thread lubricant like Sewer's Aid, in case it's a thread friction issue.

Sometimes you will find the name of the maker stamped on the shank of the needle.
  
Member since 9/4/10
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Posted on: 4/26/21 9:33 PM ET
In reply to Pfaff Pfantom
A schmetz stretch needle is not the same as a ball point needle. Have you tried a stretch needle?
  
Member since 7/31/17
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Posted on: 4/26/21 10:33 PM ET
In reply to Pfaff Pfantom
Groz- Beckect took over the manufacture of Singer longarm needles. I don't know if they also make DSM needles too.

https://groz-beckert.com/en/products/sewing/
  
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