Just wondered what size needle you use in an ordinary sewing machine. I normally use a 14 but today I changed to a 12 and the result on cotton fabric is much better

14 is good for light weight jeans or heavy cottons. I follow the needle chart from schmetz as that is my preferred needles.
I sew everything from cottons to leather, using the appropriate needle.
My embroidery machine has two different sizes that I use a lot, again, depending on thickness of fabric and density of design.

I use 12/80 Universal, apart from obvious exceptions. Have been using on both sewing and embroidery. I bought a 100 pack from the Echidna Club in QLD for $43.95 australian dollar, used Ebay. The needles are quite good and are called Beissel.

Here is another information page that I like to use.

I mostly use a 80/12 all purpose for sewing, thicker ones for denim or topstitching, a 70/10 for silk.

I agree always use this too & change for embroidery when needed, except jeans use the 16 needle for the heavier stuff

Thank you all for your help. No wonder the #12 is working so well. For years I have been using a much bigger needle. Flowers for all.

I generally use 75/11 universal for regular sewing or piecing on quilting cotton...for free motion quilting, I generally use a 80/12 universal...

I use 80/12 universals for pretty much everything - sewing and embroidery (knits I use ball point).

For fine cottons I use a 70 otherwise most of the time 80. I find 90 too thick

I use a 12 for ordinary sewing and on my Bernina also a 12 for embroidery.

Here is a link to the Schmetz needle chart. Very helpful. And if your needles are no longer good for embroidery, they are no longer good for sewing either.

2 comments

by crafter2243 07 Oct 2015

Have not had any problem, Maybe because I change needle with every embroidery machine project. The used needle has never given me any trouble with my quilts.

by mrskiki 08 Oct 2015

I have heard it said you should change your needles after 8 hours of use on embroidery. I don't always go by that rule of thumb myself!

12 usually, universal. I always use schmedt needles.

Hm.I have to try this. I usually use the needles that are no longer good for embroidery and use them for sewing. That means they are usually 75/11. Never had tried to compare.