David

[Chucky Mama]

I am not a crafter but have taken on the challenge of making some curtains after washing a pair that would now struggle to fit a dolls house they have shrunk so much My problem is that I was bowling along quite happily until it came to stitching on the header tape. I have broken 3 needles and am stumped. I have a Lidl sewing machine and am guessing I need a different sized needle for the thicker fabric? Any tips/help would be most appreciated. MIL coming on Thursday!!

[Groovychook]

Yes, you do

If your fabric is quite thick anyway, the header tape added to that will be too much for the average needle.

 

Just found this guide...

 

https://www.sewessential.co.uk/blog/how-to-choose-the-right-sewing-machine-needle/

 

Hope that helps, good luck!!

[Plum]

A jeans needle would help but it may be that you are pulling the fabric through the machine so the needle bends a bit and may hit the footplate so dropping the presser foot pressure may help. Also check your thread tension and perhaps slacken it off a bit. Hope this helps

[Chucky Mama]

Thanks both and sorry for the late reply. I think that it sounds like a combination of pulling the fabric through too quickly and an inadequate needle. I will see what happens when I adjust both

[Valkyrie]

Well look what I had in my email yesterday! I thought you might like to see it. I subscribe to Barnyarns - they do sewing stuff and lots of lovely threads. The newsletter always has something interesting to read about - well it has so far because I've lots to learn still.

 

Education

Frustrations with Speciality Threads

'My machine won't do that'

'I could never do that'

'That fancy thread never works for me'

'Decorative threads break, jam and shred'

 

Does this sound familiar?

 

Part 2 Needles

 

I have written in an earlier email about needles and do not wish to labour the point or appear boring, but the needle is one of the most important parts of your machine and is often the least appreciated and often ignored.

 

We can spend thousands of pounds on the most advanced machines, use the best and most beautiful threads and fabrics to produce our projects but all too often it is for naught because we either use an old, worn, damaged or wrong needle. Needles can be damaged by normal use, you do not need to hit a pin whilst sewing to damage it they can just become dull or bent in use. The best advise is this, when you start a new project use a new needle, it is the least expensive part of the entire project. Overall, a clean, well functioning needle, will result in sharp, well shaped stitches. Keeping a good needle in your sewing machine is the easiest, least expensive way to improve your embroidery and quilting project. If you have a problem, first change the needle, even if it's new, this may solve the issue quickly.

 

Our recommendations and why

 

Schmetz Topstitch Needle

 

Schmetz Topstitch Needle known also as an 'N' Needle ('N' for 'normous)

We recommend this needle with all the passion we can muster because it takes all the best attributes from all the other needles and places them all in one place.

 

The sharp Topstitch needle size 90 (14) has a double length eye which allows threads to flow easily through, threads from a standard 40 weight to thicker threads to metallic threads, all whiz through the super large eye without trouble. The Topstitch needle also has a groove that runs down the needle shaft which the thread sits in during embroidery protecting itself on three sides against wear and tear. An absolute must for metallics.

 

Use the Topstitch 90 (14) for all your sewing needs from a standard 40 weight thread to thicker threads and metallics.

 

Use the Topstitch 80 (12) for finer threads from 50 weight down.

 

Use the Topstitch 100 (16) for the thickest threads

 

Schmetz Embroidery Needle (Red Tip)

 

The Embroidery needle or 'E' Needle has an elongated eye. The eye is 1.5 times the length of the eye of the standard Universal Needle but not as big as the double length eye of the Topstitch needle. The elongated eye makes it easier to thread thicker threads and helps reduce 'thread stripping'.

 

Embroidery Needles have a sharp point for most general sewing applications from dress making to machine embroidery.

 

Schmetz Jeans Needle (Blue Tip)

 

The Schmetz Jeans needles are strong needles used extensively by quilters and are great for denim and heavier densely woven materials, artificial leather, waxed cloth and vinyl.

 

Madeira Titanium Needles

 

There are Six different needle styles, branded by Madeira and coated with titanium for extra strength. The lifetime of titanium needles is up to 5 times longer than standard needles thanks to the extremely hard surface, especially around the eye of the needle and at the point. Damage to both fabric and thread is avoided.

 

Titanium needles are relatively new and we are only now starting to get some feedback, all f which has been positive. It seems they are doing what they say they do, lasting longer and retaining their sharpness. It would be interesting to hear what you have to say, so why not write about your experiences for others to see on the Barnyarns Blog

 

Longarm Machine Needles

 

We now stock a range of high quality needles for Longarm Machines.

Longarm machines use a special application needle for multidirectional use. We recommend the Groz-Beckert SAN 11 needles which fit all Longarm machines except (A-1).

Supplied in packs of 10 needles per type. The largest needle is the 130/21, smallest 100/16.

 

A 'multidirectional' needle is exactly what a Longarm Machine needs to ensure accurate stitching while moving the machine is any direction. The needles are of extra strength for maximum flexibility and bending with a deep scarf to prevent skipped stitches, less puckering, and less thread breakage. Additionally the needles are Titanium coated to last longer and run cooler.

[Chucky Mama]

Very interesting reading thank you! I managed to finish my curtains and get them up before MIL arrived

[Blackrocksrock]

I always use the schmetz top stitch needle - always great!

[Plum]

And me for piecing as well.

 

Good the curtains got done CM it's so frustrating when needles/thread keeps breakin.

[Groovychook]

Well done CM! Glad you managed to finish your project

Hope the MIL was suitably impressed!

[Valkyrie]

Yayyyy you did them.