Which machine needles?

Schmetz:

Organ is a good brand of needles, as are Schmetz and Klasse. But I suspect you may be breaking needles because you're using a needle too light for the fabrics and perhaps also pulling the work instead of letting the feed dogs do their job.

Also, needles get dull. And when they get dull, they don't go through heavy stuff. I figure 2-4 hours of needle up/down time and I'm ready for a new needle. Sooner if it's not sewing as well as it was when I have a new needle.

90s are about what I'd use for medium weight denim. I'd probably go with 100s (aka 16s) for what you're describing. Maybe bigger if your machine can handle it (check the manual).

For bulk Schmetz needles, I like

-- I've alwayshad good service from Pam.If you'd like to look at a couple of photos of comparisons of some Schmetz needles, go to and ask for the album for kkl1234 (that's an L followed by a one)The first photo shows needle sizes from 60/8 to 110/18; the secondshows different points and eyes of the same size (size 90/14) needles,and the third shows some wing and very large needles. Also, do you know ?Kay

I suspect dulling may be the problem, combined with a particularly tough bit. Last time it happened, I switched to a used needle, and it happened again almost right away. Then put a new one in and it was okay.

I went through a few sizes before settling on 90s, although that was before I switched thread. I was using Gutterman before, and I didn't have much luck with that and the bigger needles. When I got the Coates Aptan, I just kept using the same needles. Most of the time, it sews just fine.

Thanks, both of you.

Kay Lancaster wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@hub.fern.com:

I use Schmetz and I buy them 100 at a time from JHittle. I have two sizes in the drawer and never run out ;)