by osueo 31 Jan 2015

Questions about needles and birds nests:

What is the difference between needles:
I use SCHMETZ EMBROIDERY needles---
When should I use a size 11 and when should I use a size 14? When should I use a metallic needle---is there a time to use a size 11 or 14 metallic needle? When using an EXTREMELY DENSE design (35,000 stitches--ugh I should have known better) on a VERY STIFF canvas tote bag (that I did not bother washing before hooping and TRYING to stitch out a 35,000 stitch design), I got birds nests REPEATEDLY---used a size 14 embroidery needle---repeated taking machine apart and stitching one stitch at a time----so, when is best to use what size and type of needle.
AND & ALL ideas, comments, suggestions, criticisms, and other words are welcome. Thank you and God bless y'all.

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Comments (3)

by 02kar Moderator 31 Jan 2015

Schmetz is a good brand of needle. Be sure to clean out any lint between projects. Lint makes the space the thread passes through tighter so it is harder for it to get through. Please check out the tutorials at Allstich and Embroider Library. They will be very helpful. A hint with metallic thread, do use a thread stand placed a foot or more from the machine. If you don't have a thread stand, place the spool in a tall glass on the floor by your machine. It gives the thread a chance to cool before hitting the machine. Or so I have been told. I have done this and never have an issue with metallic thread.

1 comment

by osueo 31 Jan 2015

I have had good luck with JennyHaskins and Floriani metallic threads. I have not yet tried the thread stands with either one--think I will the next time. I will check out the 2 tutorials---I did move 2 letters around using my softward on a free design that bird-nested yesterday---I stitched it out today and it was still thick but worked better than 1 THICK letter overlapping another THICK letter. I ALWAYS apprecite your comments and ideas and inspiration---You ALWAYS have something useful and nice and helpful to say. Thanks and God bless you.

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by AuntAnnie 31 Jan 2015

AllStitch has a good tutorial on needles. In general, use a sharp point needle on woven fabrics and a ball point needle on knit or stretchy fabrics. A metallic needle has a larger eye so save it for metallic threads. The smaller the number of needle, the finer; the larger the number the studier. Match your needle and stabilizer to the fabric and design being stitched.

1 links:[1] http://www.allstitch.net/content/embroidery-machine-needle-s...
www.allstitch.net

1 comment

by osueo 31 Jan 2015

Thanks---I will be checking it out tonight or tomorrow. Thanks about the info on needles---I ALWAYS find that whatever my question or problem I find such HELPFUL and NICE suggestions and information from all Cuties. Your information has been very helpful. Again thank you and God bless you.

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by pennyhal2 31 Jan 2015

This is a link to a fantastic article that pretty much covers everything. It's a little long, but covers a lot of info.

1 links:[1] http://www.emblibrary.com/el/help.aspx?page=help2threadache
www.emblibrary.com

1 comment

by osueo 31 Jan 2015

I will be checking it out tonight or tomorrow. I will think TWICE about getting another design from emblibrary that has 35,000 stitches in 5x7---but it was so cute I just could not resist it. I need to figure out what colors I can leave out to cut down on the number of stitches. I do love their designs---just wish they could make them a little less dense. In spite of all that, thank you for the link. I have learned a lot from their site and will learn more I am sure. But THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE CUTIES!!!!!!! I can find answers to almost any question or problem I have with almost anything. Thank you and God bless you.

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