PatternReview.com online sewing community
Join our community of 579,279 sewists!
SIGNUP Membership is free and includes 1 free lesson
Login |
Join our community of 579,279 sewists!
Signup | Login
To participate in the PatternReview.com forums please Login or Join PatternReview
12 
Member since 9/1/08
Posts: 1237
Body Type:
Send Message
2 Replies
Posted on: 1/11/14 5:42 AM ET
I have suddenly decided that machine embroidery is fun. For a start I have a machine that behaves itself ( will do a review soon) and I love the photostitch program on my software. It means I can stitch out photos of people and pets and the grass in my garden growing, if I am so inclined.

My question to ME afficianados is, what type of needle do you use? I read somewhere that Superior Threads titanium topstitch needles were better than standard machine embroidery needles for this purpose and was wondering if this was your experience as well. Are they worth the extra $$?

All suggestions kindly welcomed.
  
Member since 5/30/13
Posts: 1102
Body Type:
Send Message
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 1/11/14 6:19 AM ET
It may depend on what fabrics, and type of designs you use, but I didn't find the titanium needles any better than the regular ones.

I do a bit of photo stitch stuff and just use the Organ needles that I buy by the box.

I think changing your needles often has a whole lot more to do with good performance than anything else.
  
Member since 11/30/04
Posts: 6459
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 1/11/14 7:01 AM ET
Schmetz Gold Titanium Embroidery 11 or 14. I've found those made a huge difference on my embroidery machine.
------
Big 4 Pattern size 12, RTW bottom: 6, RTW jacket 8, RTW top (no size fits me well!)
Measurements: 34 HB/36 FB (34C bra)/27.5/36 (and working hard to keep it that way.)
Machines: Sewing: Elna 760, vintage Kenmore Model 33 (1967), Janome Gem Gold 3, Singer Model 99, Singer 221/Featherweight, Bernina 1630. Sergers: Babylock Enlighten and Babylock Ovation. Embroidery Only: Janome 300E. Embroidery/Sewing Combo: Brother Dream machine. Straight Stitch: Janome 1600P.
Certified Palmer/Pletsch Pants Fitting Instructor
Blog: 21stcenturydiy.blogspot.com
  
Member since 8/13/06
Posts: 5976
Send Message
Posted on: 1/11/14 8:50 AM ET
In reply to RynV
I always use regular Schmetz embroidery needles and have never had a problem.
  
Member since 12/3/06
Posts: 10072
Send Message
thumbsup 2 likes
Posted on: 1/11/14 9:59 AM ET
Organ Titanium coated from Allbrands.

The coating keeps the needle cooler so when using sticky back stabilizer for "In The Hoop" projects the adhesive does not soften and gum up the thread, which in turns makes a mess and breaks the thread.

In addition, the Titanium coating keeps the needle sharper and will last 5 times longer than a non coated needle.

I switched to this type needle several years ago and also use them for sewing. At that time Allbrands was the only merchant who sold this type needle. Now there are other brands and more merchants to choose from.

------
OLD CHINESE PROVERB: I HEAR & I FORGET; I SEE & I REMEMBER; I DO & I UNDERSTAND.
  
Member since 11/13/04
Posts: 15931
Send Message
Posted on: 1/11/14 10:23 AM ET
I bought and used the same Organ needles that came originally with my embroidery machine for a few years.I bought them at a local dealer.

Then switched to Schmetz and Klasse embroidery needles.I can buy them cheaper on 50% off sale days than the Organ needles at the dealer,he never has notions,or sewing machine feet and other sewing machine attachments on sale like other local dealers.

One can read online why embroidery needles are recommended.They have a special coating and the needle eye is larger too than regular sewing needles.I like to support local businesses,I don't buy online.
  
Member since 10/7/07
Posts: 799
Send Message
1 Replies
Posted on: 1/11/14 12:52 PM ET
In reply to RynV
Has anyone used the new schmetz chrome needles. I wanted to know how they compare to titanium if anyone has used
------
Brother XL-3500i
SQ-9050
Dreamweaver VM6200D
  
Member since 5/28/07
Posts: 2990
Body Type:
Send Message
1 Replies
Posted on: 1/11/14 3:18 PM ET
I also use the organ titanium from all brands. I don't know anyone local to my in sydney that stocks organ needles.
  
Member since 3/18/09
Posts: 516
Body Type:
Send Message
1 Replies
thumbsup 1 like
Posted on: 1/11/14 10:42 PM ET
I generally use either a Schmetz or Klasse 75/11 embroidery needle. If the fabric is really heavy, then I'll use a 90/14 embroidery needle. The few exceptions are:
Fleece - use a Microtex 80 or 90 depending on the weight of the fleece
Denim - use a Denim 90 needle if not lightweight, stretch denim
Leather - ALWAYS use a Leather needle, usually 90 or 100 depending on thickness and texture of leather
Metallic thread - Use a Metallic needle, usually 80/12 (exception to this is the Jenny Haskins Metallic which stitches out fine with a reg. embroidery needle.

The correct stabilizer for the fabric/project type makes a huge difference as well.
------
Baby Lock Ellure Plus (BLR3), Brother 1034D Serger, Brother 2340CV Coverstitch, Singer Rocketeer 500J
"A woman is like a tea bag- you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt

"Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people." Eleanor Roosevelt
  
Member since 9/1/08
Posts: 1237
Body Type:
Send Message
Posted on: 1/12/14 3:28 AM ET
Thanks for all your suggestions. It seems embroidery needles are the way to go, and the titanium coating will help them last longer. Thanks too for recommendations when using unusual fabrics or threads.
  
12 
* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.
Selected Reviews, Classes & Patterns
Metro Textiles
NYC Fabric Store
Specials!
Discovery Fabrics
High Performance Fabrics
Specials!
Fancy Frocks Fabrics
Fine Designer Fabrics