Why SCHMETZ needles elevate your sewing: choosing the right size & type by Paul Leger July 21, 2025 written by Paul Leger July 21, 2025 1 I’ve been sewing for over 35 years, but it’s only been in the last 10 that I started paying close attention to sewing machine needle sizes—and less than five when it comes to needle types. Since that awakening, I’ve tried different brands, and I must say: SCHMETZ needles are my go-to. Why? Quality, quality, and yes—quality. They’re strong, they don’t dull quickly, and there’s a needle for every job. SCHMETZ needles Here’s a link which will show all the different SCHMETZ needles. Enjoy perusing. When I started quilting, my idea of using the correct needle was “can the thread fit in the eye of the needle?”. Never did I blame any issues I had with the stitches and seams to the needle size I was using. After realizing this little fact, I started paying attention, and my stitches and seams improved. I’ve tried almost every brand of sewing machine threads in existence, and as we all know, no two brands are the same. Although every brand has a 50-weight (wt) thread, they are not all the same size. With my experience, a typical 50wt thread will fit nicely in an 80/12 or 80/14 size needle. FYI When looking at a number such as the 80/12, what does it mean? The 80 represents the metric/European size, while the 12 represents the American size. SCHMETZ Universal 80/12 and 90/14 needles In addition to ensuring the eye of the needle is big enough to pass the thread, the groove on the needle is also essential. The groove acts as a channel for the thread to lie in as the needle moves through the fabric. This helps it to glide smoothly into the fabric. This is another reason to ensure the proper size needle is used. The Needle Anatomy chart Download the PDF of the Needle Anatomy as seen in the photo above and keep it handy in your sewing space for quick reference. Here are essential tips on when to change a needle. the thread breaks or shreds stitches start skipping uneven stitches appear you hit a pin while sewing puckered or damaged fabric popping sound when the needle goes through the fabric Take a minute to look at all the different types of SCHMETZ needles. There is a needle for every quilting and sewing project. SCHMETZ needles Join me tomorrow, I’ll go over the significance of the color coding on the needle. This is part 1 of 5 in this series Print this page or save as a PDF 0qs582Clover Quick Bias TapeGrabbit MyPadmachine sewingneedle anatomyneedle sizesnotionsquilting tipsSCHMETZ needlessewing machine needlessewing toolsthread weight FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinRedditWhatsappTelegramThreadsBlueskyEmail Paul Leger I took my first quilting course in September 1994 in Barrie, Ontario, near the armed forces base where I was stationed. After moving to Ottawa in 1996, I joined my first guild. I took more courses and began to buy quilting books and lots of fabrics. Quilting has become my passion. I have made over 150 more quilts since then, and have never looked back. I now share my knowledge of quilting by teaching and doing presentations, and blogging! previous post FREE! QUILTsocial Magazine Issue 33 Now Available! YOU MAY ALSO LIKE... How to add a lining to a tote... How to make a zippered pocket with an... Make your quilted tote water resistant with Odif... How to make sturdy tote handles with BOSAL... Make a tote bag with orphan quilt blocks... Mastering Sulky Heat-Away Clear Film Stabilizer for embroidery... Your guide to using Sulky Water-Soluble Stabilizers for... How to choose and use SULKY Cut-Away stabilizers... Choosing & Using Tear-Away Stabilizers for Sewing &... Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
