Excellent advice! I’m a quilter. Buy my schmetz needles in bulk boxes of 100 much more economical for me. I have found that if I change my needles (at least) every project my seams come out better and my Bernina is happier. I sometimes use 2-3 needles, depending on the project. And keeping my machine cleaned and oiled goes a LONG way with my sewing experience and also helps the needles last longer - less lint, drag, pull. I second your Needles! Needles! Needles! Message 👍🏻❤️
I saw those bulk packs on the Schmetz website and I was wondering who bought them! It would take me years to go through that many needles. Using them for quilting makes so much sense!
I never know how many hours I've used a needle for. Like you, I work on a few projects at once and change needles for them. However ... yesterday I was sewing along and your voice popped into my head. "Change the needle, it's cheaper than getting your machine serviced". So right. So I changed the needle. 😊
That needle ball is so cool, though. I put mine back into the package with a little permanent marker dot for 'lightly used'. I've always been team 'when in doubt, throw away', when it comes to needles. They're not that expensive, after all.
I teach quilt classes and I tell my students to change the needle at the start of a new project and clean out your bobbin area EVERY TIME YOU SIT DOWN TO SEW!! it only takes a minute to brush out your bobbin area and that REALLY helps to keep your machine purring! 💕
That’s a great tip! I need to start cleaning my bobbin area before I start a new project. I usually do it every 2-3 projects. Or if my fabric is super linty.
I've never heard anyone say this and I've taken so many classes and we actually had sewing in school and our teacher never told us this and now I'm sitting here going " well. ...Yeah duh , I should have known that" Thank you young lady
Thank you. I have been sewing for about 66 years and you said a couple of things I never knew. I have never gone to the Schmetz website. I like that pad to stick the needles in. I have never seen a tomato like yours. I didn't know the difference between Jersey and Knit. You have a new fan.
I love microtex needles they are so sharp and give a lovely stitch, I do have packs of different needles for different fabrics but buy microtex and universal in hundred packs in different sizes, I I would not cope if I broke one and had no replacements lol, I also change my needle every new project or 8 hrs or so when quilting. Good tips x
I’ve only really used microtex needles on fleece but they worked great! I have a lot of needles on hand too. The last thing I want to do is run to the store in the middle of a project because I don’t have a spare!
Again, Tony; openly admitting and pin pointing your faults. We are all the same. We need to hear this! There were years and years I did not know you had to change needles. Very informative! Thank you so much. Both for the info, as well for your time. Thanks😊👏👏👏👏❤️
Thank you so much, Toni! Last night I was sewing and my machine was skipping stitches. I thought oh-no, I'm going to have to take it in to the sewing-machine repair guy...AGAIN. But wait, maybe...it's the needle? It's crazy, but as a child of Depression kids you are taught to use needles until they break, like your grandma. I've been sewing for over 50 years but I still learn so many things from your wonderful videos. Thank you, Toni! 🙂
I've been sewing for 70yrs. A very relaxing hobby, and have made many useful items. This was such a wonderful and informative video. Great for newbies and veterans. I didn't know there is a Non- stick Needle, but will be getting some soon. I have needles for leather sewing, but I'm sure these will work with leather. Maybe make the process smoother. Can't wait to try them. Thank you for all of this information. Keep the video's coming.
Yes, indeed, that’s what the sewing machine mechanics do, my brother was one for years, he used to roll his eyes at me about feeling a bit guilty taking money from a sewist who didn’t know to change their needles. Didn’t stop him, mind you, but that was MOST of his business. So, Just do it. Needles are a consumable, I teach in my sewing classes. And while you’re doing that, get the dust out of the bobbin area. Dust in the area that is trying to form that stitch will also cause a lot of the symptoms Toni mentioned. Skipped stitches, funny noises, etc.
This was a super useful video. I had no idea sewing machines have different type of needles until mine broke and I had to change it and saw that the package of needles that came with my machine had different numbers! Thank you so much for explaining all this to newbies like me!
My machine was clattering, changed needle, still noisy. A friend asked when was the last time I cleaned under the feed dog? Wow, full of lint. Cleaned it out and no more noise.
I was taught every 7-8 hrs sewing, change yr needle. Also, sharp needles for cotton calico and denim. Match the thread to the fabric and the needle (light, medium, heavy weight thread).cotton thread on cotton fabric. Its confusing but keep notes in a sample notebook with examples of stitch length/width, etc. good info. That tomato deal is great.
Great info, thanks. Never heard of Schmetz sewing needles before last year. Getting back into sewing & quilting now that I retired a couple of years ago. Here is Ontario, Canada I'm surprised at how many fabric shops we have lost over the past 30 years. Even our little Singer Sewing Machine shop closed up just before Covid hit. That's where I got my last supply of sewing machine needles. Bought some Schmetz a few months ago, sales staff just said they were a good needle, not much more. Thanks for the link, now I feel much better using them knowing more about the product. And their needle size chart is downloadable which was great.
Schmetz makes great needles, you won’t be disappointed. It’s very sad how many sewing shops have disappeared since the pandemic. I shop small and local whenever possible.
Thank you. As a new sewer, decades ago, i was taught nothing about needles. I think i bought one size, and replaced it when it bent or broke. I can't imagine how awful my stitches were.
They do sell that needle cushion on Amazon for $8.99 but it is now a pin cushion pillow with the writing on it . I bought the plate with all that information on it that helped me ! In front of my machine for quick reference. Thanks for posting this confusing information about needles. Helps!
I used to think the same thing. All needles are built the same. Learned lesson. Now I buy the needle geared to my project and fabric. And I love, live Schmetz. They are the bomb!!!
Same here. I paid little to no attention to type and size and basically used a size 70 universal for everything and used each needle for waaayyy too long. It's safe to say that the quality of my garments has gone way up since I figured out the science of sewing machine needles.
Cleaning out your machine every time you change needles or start a new project will also help your machine work better! It takes like 2 minutes to pop the throat plate off and get in there with a brush to clean out the lint. I oil every few cleanings as well or any time the wick looks dry. Also, I don’t know about other machines, but I have a new-ish Singer and the tool kit they give is garbage. For like $5 you can get super short magnetic screwdrivers that will make this task 1000 times easier! 🙂. Also, check your manual because many say not to use canned air and they mean it.
Very good tips! Unfortunately the throat plate can’t be removed on my Brother sewing machine and the manual says take it to be serviced instead of giving tips on how to clean and oil it yourself. So ridiculous.
Needles also need to match thread sizes. Thread a needle on the thread you intend to use then hold the thread taut at a 45 degree angle. If the needle does not easily slide down the thread, change to a larger needle size.
I only learned about them last summer when I was sewing a horrible metallic fabric with adhesive that gummed up the needle. Nonstick needles to the rescue!
Great video! If I don't change my needle regularly , I start to hear "chunk a chunk". I know its time to change the need!e and clean and oil her. She needs the spa treatment! Lol.
Thank you for this video! I've been sewing longer than I care to admit (58 years....?) and what I learned, I learned when I was 10 or 12 in home ec classes (do they still have those?). I had a vague idea of sizes - smaller for smaller fabrics (that meant lighter to me), and larger for larger fabrics - but I knew nothing about the numbers. You didn't mention the second number - is that important as well? One other great needle is a leather needle - they have a very sharp triangular point that is sharp on all sides and can be really handy if you're having trouble sewing something very heavy (think multiple layers of denim). Also loved your hipsters (ahhh, brought me right back) and I detected a wee bit of NY in your accent.... :) Glad I found you - we never stop learning!
The second number is the British sizing for needles. Why they use a different number is beyond me. Thank you for your comment. If I have a slight NY accent it’s from hanging out with my fiancée too long. He’s from there, I’m not 😉
@@SewSewLounge Thank you for your quick response - really appreciate it. Leave it to the Brits to be different.... (I live in the UK) ;) Isn't it funny how we pick up accents? I was born in London, lived in MA (ugh - slight Boston accent escapes now and then), and a wee bit of a Scottish accent from hanging out with some of my favourite people (plus I live right on the border!). Appreciate your knowledge - home ec class isn't the same as university courses. :) x
Thank you! Thank you so much. I’ve been sewing for decades and never really thought about this! I blamed it on my sewing machine. This has to be the best video ever! My needles have been breaking since the dawn of time. I’ve never known why. I’ve thought bought the correct needle, but why? I just started to stick with light no stretch poly. I’m moving forward with this information from now on.
You’re welcome! All during college I sewed with the wrong needle and broke so many. It’s funny because you’d think when I went to buy more someone would have told me about the different sizes. Now we both know! Happy day!
I listen to the sound of new needles on the fabric I’m sewing, to notice what normal is. The worn needle will eventually make a plucking sound, but there are other sounds before the plucking, if I remember to notice. That helps me to change it in time.
Once I started actually listening to my machine I realized it’s letting me know when things have changed. And it just for the needle! Now I can hear it when my bobbin is about to run out.
@@SewSewLounge Wow! 💃👗🏄♂️ I have to learn that. Times when it’s really crucial not to have the bobbin run out (maybe topstitching?) I have wound two bobbins, for top and bottom threads, so I can keep track of it. But to track it by the sound, that’s elegant. 😎👍🧵🧵
Keeping a loupe in your sewing kit can be very useful, and you can easily find one for under $10. Damaged/worn needles are usually very obvious to see under magnification, and it can also help identify the type of needle if you don't have the stripes to go by.
I love a good Nerdy Needle video. Hard to believe we focus on so many details when sewing but don’t give the needle in the machine much thought. Great topic. Not sure if you ever listen to the Thread’s Magazine podcast, but they did an interview with a Schmetz VIP that was (oddly) interesting. 😊. Thanks for taking the time for this topic.
In all fairness, I don’t think about my needle until I start having problems with my sewing project. I need to keep it top of mind and choose the right one before I start!! Glad you enjoyed my video. I will check out the threads podcast.
Thank you for the tip(s)! The book recommendation was awesome! I found it yesterday while thrifting (original edition) for $3. I wasn’t aware of much fabric differed from each other, when to use what, etc., so it will come in handy. Your sewing info/know-how is great to watch and learn as I’m just getting into sewing. Love your recent fabric hauls, too 😀 Hi from 🇨🇦
Hi Charlene! I’m so glad you found the book. I got mine at half price books, but it wasn’t $3. What a bargain!! Thank you for your sweet comment. I’m glad you’re enjoying my videos ☺️
I love the Schmetz topstitch needles because the size of the eye makes it sooo , it's just maddening. much easier to thread. When I have to thread a ball point needle, it's just maddening. I can't even get a needle threader through that eye!
The only reason I don’t have trouble threading needles is because of muscle memory from only ever sewing on my Bernina 1080. I can’t actually see the eye anymore unless I switch to reading glasses 🤣
I have found it helpful if I place a different colored index card behind the needle. Mostly I use white, but I also have blue and yellow for the white shades of thread. I did have to cut the index cards down a bit to make them small enough to fit. I keep them in a clear heavyweight zipper style plastic bag so I can find them easily.
@@alycewich4472 the end flaps on small boxes like tubes of cream or moisturizers come in are the correct size for using behind the needle. I keep an end flap and a small metal needle threader in zip lock bag in machine drawer. But those size 60 can be difficult to get the needle threader through unless press the wires together.
Thanks for the tip on using an empty McCormick spice shaker to throw your used needles in. Great idea! I never know how to safely dispose of my old needles
I like that idea as well. Just started back to sewing about a year ago and was weaving the old needles into a piece of newspaper and then taping it closed. Since I have lots of extra spice jars, this will be my go to method now.
I am a quilter with 26 years experience and I use only 100% cotton fabric and thread. For the last 15 years the only needle I ever use for my piecing and quilting is a Schmetz Universal 80/12. I get the best and most consistent results with this needle.
There are more variables sewing clothing when the fiber content and fabric type are always changing to go with the pattern, hence the need for a variety of sewing needles 😉
It would be great to organise my needles like your needle ball. I'll think about how I can come up with a design. When I see long strips together for patchwork, my craft group were advised to sew seams from alternate directions to counter the seams bowing. They always used size 80 needles for cotton fabric. I used size 70 (smaller holes) and slightly lengthened the stitch (less holes). My seams were straight. I told them how I achieved it. Would they listen? No!😂
@@SewSewLounge I ordered no stick needles, costume needles, and one other. Lol. Plus the book! I do late night sewing and nowhere close to a store other than Walmart. 👿 I am now a follower! I’m eyeball deep in wedding and pageant alterations. 🤦🏼♀️ I call myself the Village Idiot. 😈
Omg this opens up a whole new world to me! I never thought I could sew denim with my machine. True confessions, when I started sewing again after 35+ years I used the same needle that came with my machine🙄. The more you know!
It’s so true!! I never knew why I broke so many needles. Who knew they came in different sizes 🤷🏽♀️ put that on the list of things that should have been taught in my college sewing class
I love that Sandra Betzina, Fabric Savy book! Been using it for needle and fabric care guidance for years! Still struggling adjusting tensions with all those needles, but that could be because I’m super picky. I didn’t know about the costume packs, very good information! There’s also a Schmitz app. Many thanks Toni!
Your sewing machine manual (or my machine has a chart inside the lid), has materials matching the appropriate needle size. I changed my needle just last week and must say it makes SUCH a difference !!!!
Unfortunately, my manual does not have needle info. And I was not taught about needles in college which was also problematic, to say the least. Needles are such a crucial element to successful sewing!
Found a half round pin cushion at Dollar tree. I marked of the cushion. Wrote the sizes on it! Then I stuck my hand sewing needles in the other. Game changer! I will be going back and getting another for just machine needles. I am going to put a magnet on it and put it on my swing arm lamp. Just bought this for change. Schmitz has a guide. I have needle stash 🤦🏼♀️ Thank you for the info!!!!
Super informative! I do clean my machine, and change needles, depending on my fabric, but who knew Schmitz was such an awesome resource! Of course they are, I’m ridiculous! Love your idea on storing the needles! Thank you so much!
That was very interesting. I didn't understand the numbering system, so I usually used size 70 universal, which explains why I broke a needle when sewing jeans. I have signed up on the Schmetz site and will know what to look for when purchasing my sewing machine needles.
I also tried to sew one of those sticky fabrics and it was a complete headache. I thought I would go insane before I finished so I wish that I had known about those needles.
Omg you know the struggle. I had to make 4 costumes using that fabric and the problems started with the first one. The nonstick needles were the only way I got them finished. Then add insult to injury, the director scrapped them the week before the show. Each one took about 4 hours to sew 😡
I have some pretty some kind of flouncy thin fabric in my fabric cover that I just found again yesterday (I hope there's other people that have fabric they forgot about) And I thought this is pretty. I could make a beautiful shirt out of this. This is pretty. I could make a beautiful shirt out of this.. and now I know about the needles😮😂❤
I appreciate this video because I know very little about needles. At first, I used to only sew rag quilts and I knew which needle to use and knew to change it after each quilt and clean the machine. But when I started sewing different projects, It was a challenge to figure out which needle to use and I am still in the same bind. So this helps tremendously. I also want to thank you for encourging me to sew the blouse I started. I finally finished it right before my beloved dad passed last than two weeks ago, so he got to see it and he was really proud that I had gotten it done and had plans to continue sewing. Well, August 1st. was sitting here in my sewing room trying to figure out what I was going to do, so I created a live video on why I started the RU-vid channel with the purpose of holding myselft accountable for sewing a garment a week and participate in #fridaysews. I owe it to you and am trying to figure out how to get a link for my channel. I made the intro video and a friday sews showing the blouse I finished thanks to you. I posted the videos under Jeannie2024. I gave you a shout out in the second video.🙂
Jeannie, thank you for the shout out. I just watched your videos and subscribed. I’m so excited and happy to be part of your sewing journey. I’m sad to hear that your dad passed a few weeks ago. I know how hard that is. Sending you a big hug ❤️
I remember when I was having a hard time with a four way stretch ( I was looking on Reddit, which is sooooo great for sew-ers at any level for any issue really) but I heard that jersey needles are best for stretchy fabric regardless. The needles they recommended me were ballpoint/jersey needles and a walking foot. Which worked amazingly!! I’m curious to hear how the stretch needles will work because people seemed to trash talk them a little when it came to them being useful to their purpose, but if you make a video on them, I’m going to watch it. This was a good video!!
I’ve also used jersey needles for all knit fabrics and I’m wondering if it makes a difference. I have a knit video coming up next month and I’ll try them out on each type of fabric. I’m wondering the same thing you are 😉
Hi Sew Sew Lounge, will you please make a video about thread types, weights and selecting their corresponding needles, then to reasonable stitch length? Oh, yes, how are stitch lengths measured? Thanks
And tension related to it! My Babylock is having a moment right now because I sewed a heavier weight fabric with a sturdier needle and adjusted the tension to help. Going back to regular quilting cotton has caused upper thread tension issues. It's a mess!
I love the schmetz needle range... I use the schmetz gold plated embroidery needles in my embroidery machine.... they are brilliant and can cope with most threads and the speed...
@@SewSewLounge I use them on my overlocker too. They have a larger eye and the groove at the front is slightly longer and deeper, so they cope with the speed of the thread running through. .
Change your needle.and…….CLEAN AND OIL YOUR MACHINE. I kept putting it off because I wanted to keep sewing. I finally cleaned and oiled it, boy was it dirty and what a difference it made when I did, it purred like a kitten.
Yes I agree, but I think it depends on your machine and if you have instructions on how to do it. A lot of the newer machines don’t come with manuals and if you get online they say to take it to a dealer 🙄
not all sewing machines can be oiled (unless you want to brake them). Manual of my sewing machine says (written in caps lock to ensure its noticed) - NEVER EVER OIL THIS MACHINE.
When I got back into sewing, (thanks COVID!) I was watching videos that kept saying , oil your machine. I did. Then I took it to be repaired, LOL it doesn’t need to be oiled. Anyone want a bottle of sewing machine oil? 😂
I love this! I was never taught the importance of this and how it makes such a big difference! Makes me laugh because I am just like your Grandma! 😂 It explains many things!!! It was likely the needle. 🙄. Later in life I bought a Bernina and so I am trying so hard to do everything right. I read your vid title and thought hmm, maybe I should listen! Glad I did. Great sewing wisdom! Thank you!!! 😁 👍🏻
Great information. I didn’t know how important it was to change needles until recently. Question! How do you dispose of old needles? I’ve started putting them in an old pill bottle until I find an answer!😊
Hello, I have had that pop pop noise on tight weave fabrics and poly types There is a needle sharpener, its like two flat brass plates with a pocket of what feels like sand inside. Put your needle tip in there, in and out a few times. It will smooth off the needle, sharpen the tip, take of any tiny burrs and the result is amazing. I got mine from Home Sew in PA. They have a catalogue also
I have a large variety of needles but I mostly use the 80 as I sew quilts using cotton fabric. I change my needle when I start a new quilt unless it is going to be a large (queen size/king) I will change half way through.
I have had a screenshot of the Schmetz needle colour codes diagram saved on my iPad since I realised they did that during the pandemic. So handy for identifying them when you have only used a needle for a couple of hours and then shoved it in your to be used again stash 😄I have different multi sizes packs of the universal and a few other types. Even a winged one I will try one day, hopefully. I tried the organ needles once given as a present and never again. Schmetz only for me!
You have a new follower and fan!!!!🎉 The Fabric Savvy book is great advice! I purchased this book years ago and it has been a little angel on my shoulder! It not only has needle size but other suggestions. Who knew a roller foot even exsisted?! It was a game changer for sewing on Neopreen! Thank you for all this knowledge! I love the costume pack! I didn't know they were a thing ! Love it! I also love being told I should buy more! 😊 Keep up the great content!!! I love your labled needle tomato! Wish I had one because I DO switch needles for projects and all those little slips of labled fabric ( size and how long used) with a needle in them is not as nice as your tomato!
Thank you had no idea that the needle was that important I’m going to buy the Schmitz needles you suggested ! I want a guide also to teach me what size is best!😊
Thank you! I have been sewing for years and really didn't know how the sizes went! I do change my needle pretty regularly - every 1-2 projects depending on their size. I really appreciate you!!
Thank you so much for this great information. Times have changed and there are so many needle options now and it makes such good sense to prepare for the correct fabric and its weight. Thank you for another great video!
If you sew a lot, order needles in bulk. They are way, way less expensive. The only ones I buy in the 4-5 packs are serger needles which I don’t go through a lot, and stretch needles that I haven’t been able to source in 100 packs.
"How do you know when you need to change your needle?" I usually change it when it breaks 😳but yeah now you mention it my sewing machine has been making some weird noises recently since sewing up those giant curtains. 🤣Guess I'd better give that a try!
I try to change mine for every new (big) project. Sometimes I'll sew scrap busters inbetween and I usually don't change the needle for those. Also, if your machine is making noises, perhaps it's time to either oil it or take it in for service?
Wow, this has been so helpful! Now I have to try and find out what needles I have as my Schmetz ones are not colour-coded and I have a tough time reading the text on them 👓
I think the advice about when to change a needle is better than every project or how many hours. When to change a needle. It broke. Thread fraying, breaking, knotting under the plate. Noises you should check for a bent needle. The warp or weave of the fabric being pulled. That is a dull needle. For these issues, the needle is probably shot, and you can pitch it. Any other time, your machine is not making nice stiches, then try a different kind of needle. Reading the descriptions of what the needle is for can help you find the right one.
You could subdivide your Schmetz board with white vertical lines for 1-4 hours, etc. for each slot just like the pincushion. Use narrow striping tape, white marker, etc.
Schmetz needle's web page had a comprehensive list for what needle for what fabric. It's under the resources. I like to set up my machine the day before I start sewing. When I cut out a pattern. I ask myself how many projects has it been. I like to clean and fill/top off the oil reservoir every 5 projects. I also will change the needle at this time. This Video came at a good time. I just started think about sewing with a needle other than Universal and stretch.
Good to know about the fabric/needle list-I hadn’t seen that! Also a good tip to do a routine check of your machine before each project. Thanks for watching 😊
WT$???? Nonstick???? I learned so much in this. I use and abuse my needles. 🤦🏼♀️ self/mama taught, and I do alterations. LOTS. I’m heading to schemtz’s website! Thank you. This was a fantastic video. Old dogs can learn new tricks. I like Organ, too.
When I was taking a pattern making class my teacher STRESSED the importance of needles. She basically said for each new project choose the correct needle type (universal for muslin) and size AND USE A FRESH NEW NEEDLE! When I started my mockup for a jean jacket with some heavy twill/muslin I knew my beginner machine was not going to work. (The automatic buttonholer failed). Singer was having an amazing sale on their heavy duty machines so I bought one. This buttonholer had no problems but dam! It could not handle flat fell seams on my twill! I broke 5! jean needles on the bodice alone! The top stitch needle couldn’t even do ONE front seam. I researched sizes and bought heavier & bigger needles. I could not get through the jean jacket project without breaking needles. I went through approx. 10 needles AFTER the other needles I broke before I moved up in size. The thing is, this was a lighter weight twill with a touch of spandex in it (maybe I needed a stretch needle?) and I was using 110 needles! I do need to put a universal 80 in now that I’m mocking up a new twill/spandex jacket (and why yes I broke a 110 needle in this project!! )….
Girl, that denim is making you work! I haven’t sewn with any that thick. Have you thought about trying and upholstery needle? Schmetz makes those too 😉
