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Quilting with the new SCHMETZ Super NonStick needles

Quilting with the new SCHMETZ Super NonStick needles

by Julie Plotniko

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.

A package of SCHMETZ Super NonStick needles

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.

The new SCHMETZ Super NonStick needle

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

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.

Bearly Christmas from 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.

Fuse the applique in place

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!

The SCHMETZ Super NonStick needle resists gummy residue

My tea towels turned out great.

What cute tea towels!

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.

This is part 1 of 5 in this series

Go to part 2: 2 days to sew a fabric trinket box

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2 comments

Pat Borecky January 31, 2020 - 5:57 pm

Hi Julie, I just bought the new needles for my tiny landscape quilts. I was wondering if you used them with Steam-a-Seam as fusible and what your results were? It is the only fusible that works for what I do – I love it. Txs

Reply
Julie Plotniko February 11, 2020 - 11:39 pm

Hi Pat
Thanks for your question.
Yes, I have tested the SCHMETZ non-stick needles with Steam-a-Seam as well as a variety of other fusible webs, basting sprays, fabric glues and other sticky substances.
I found that they performed beautifully with all and that any sticky residue simply flakes off rather than building up on the needle.
They will be the perfect needle for stitching your tiny landscape quilts.
Julie

Reply

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