Quilting with the new SCHMETZ Super NonStick needles

The quilting world of today is constantly changing. Quilters are always discovering new ways to do things and companies like SCHMETZ are developing new products to make our sewing tasks easier. The SCHMETZ Super NonStick needle is one of the most exciting of these new innovations.

Join me for a week of fun as I create a variety of projects to help explore SCHMETZ Super NonStick needles many uses.

Let’s get started.

What is a SCHMETZ Super NonStick needle and why am I so excited?

Known as super universal, this needle made by SCHMETZ, has some unusual properties. To begin with it has a non-stick coating made from NIT (Nickel-Phosphor-PTFE). This NIT coating prevents sticky stabilizers, fusible web or even fabric glues from building up on the needle as you sew.

It has an extra large eye equivalent to a needle that is two sizes larger and a distinctly different scarf design. The scarf is the little notch on the back of the needle above the eye. The larger eye and distinct scarf on this needle combine to help prevent skipped stitches.

The slightly rounded point allows you to sew most types of fabric with ease. Finally this needle also boasts a reinforced blade to allow it to sew through thick fabrics like denim or the multiple layers used for art quilting techniques.

The recommended uses for this needle are for machine embroidery, general sewing and the addition of hook and loop tape. I’ll also be using it for machine applique, thread painting and art quilting.

The SCHMETZ Super NonStick needle comes in four sizes 70/10, 80/12, 90/14 and 100/16 so there’s a size for every job.

Let’s make some fusible machine applique tea towels

I’ll start my series of projects with one of my favorites, machine applique tea towels.

material

• 1 package SCHMETZ Super NonStick needles size 80/12
• HeatnBond Lite iron-on adhesive sheets
• 1 spool Gütermann Dekor Rayon thread for applique
• fabric motif for applique (I used a panel from Bearly Christmas by Northcott)
• 2 tea towels
• a rotary cutter and mat or sharp fabric scissors
• ruler

Create the tea towels

Following the manufacturer’s instructions fuse HeatnBond Lite to the wrong side of your applique fabric. Be sure to use a piece of HeatnBond Lite that’s slightly larger than needed so the fusible adhesive goes all the way to the edge when you cut out your applique.

For my tea towels, I decided to use the squares with the cute bears from the Bearly Christmas panel by Northcott.

Use a rotary cutter or a pair of sharp scissors and cut out the applique pieces. I’ve used the square of background around my bears as part of the applique so I used my rotary cutter. If I had cut the bears out from the background, then scissors would’ve been a better option.

Remove the paper backing on the applique pieces and position them on the tea towel. When happy with the applique placement fuse in place and you’re almost ready to stitch.

Prepare your sewing machine with a size 80/12 SCHMETZ Super NonStick needle, Gütermann Dekor Rayon thread in both the needle and the bobbin and an applique foot.

Stitch the applique in place. This is a great time to experiment with the fun stitches on your sewing machine.

What a great job the SCHMETZ Super NonStick needle does. Not only does it resist picking up any sticky residue but my stitch quality is gorgeous!

My tea towels turned out great.

The SCHMETZ Super NonStick needle handled today’s project with ease.

I’ll have even more fun testing the needles tomorrow as I create a sweet little trinket box.

I’ll see you then.