I have a couple additional thoughts on the needle post I did yesterday. One person mentioned changing the needle often. I know people who won't change one unless it is bent. What most people don't know is that the eye wears out before the point a lot of the time. This is especially true with polyester thread. If you ever hear it making a ticking sound as you are stitching, there is a tiny bend or burr on the point and if you don't change the needle you can damage the hook area of your machine. Which is cheaper, new needle or repair on the machine?
Also, did you know the Schmetz cases have a magnifier strip on the case (on the cases with the little bumps at the tops of the needles)? If you put the needle in the little case, turn it rounded side up and close it, the raised bump strip is a magnifier. You can hold it under the light of your machine and read the needle size. I noticed some of the newer cases are totally flat.
Also some of the needles are color coded with a dot (Schmetz brand), blue for denim, purple for Microtex, red for embroidery and green for quilting. At least you can identify which type you are using by the dot, even if you can't read the size.
Also stretch and ballpoint needles are for knits. They won't cut the fibers like a sharp needle will. Did you ever see all of the little holes along the seam line on a t-shirt? That was caused by a sharp needle. Also some delicate woven fabrics need the ballpoint needle to go between the fibers, but usually a size 70 or smaller.
Another thing, the needle threaders on your sewing machine were made to work for size 80 and larger needles. If you use 60's and 70's you have probably noticed it doesn't work as well, or not at all. I can use mine on 70's if I am careful.
17 comments:
I didn't know about the magnifier. I am guilty of not changing my needles often enough. I'll have to change that habit.
Another great post with info on needles! I wish you were at the store where I go to buy needles!
The quilt is wonderful - and if you need to use different fabric for binding it will just add to it, imo. I love bindings that are quirky, sometimes they really add to a project!
You are so energetic to do that many miters on a quilt. You go girl!
If I made it, I would be lazy and straighten up the edge to attach the binding.
I love this quilt, especially the subtle color changes. Masterful. Upon closer inspection, it was fun to
realize how many of those same fabrics I have/had in my collection.
Ellen.
I had the same problemand could not find the binding for one of my quilts.
Then I realized I used the strips were what I used to piece the backing!
KS
Wow! Another beauty!
So it's not unusual to have UFO's hang around for years? I have two that are a year old now. LOL!
Oh, and if you want to see exuberant color, check out my post today. :-)
This was GOOOOOD info - it's always great to hear from a person who actually KNOWS all this stuff!
I had forgotten about the magnifying effect on the needle case - I try to pay attention to what needle is in my machine, and if it is only slightly used, I'll put it back in the package backwards, as my reminder.
Love the uneven edge on this quilt... I've toyed with the idea but never acutally tried the "reverse" mitre (inside point).
Maybe some in-progress photos showing the steps you're taking??
Always look forward to visiting your blog!
Love that quilt! (I want to do a quilt with that kid of binding - once in my lifetime.)
Another beautiful quilt. I am sure you will find something great for the binding. Are you cutting off the uneven edges, or are you binding it as is? If that is a yes, you are Wonder Woman! I want your autograph!
Trying to read the needle size is the worst thing for me -- I know I need reading glasses, but I end up with a magnifying glass, reading glasses and a flashlight in order to pick out those little numbers! Thanks for all the info.
I found your post on needles very interesting.I had discovered that sharps cut the fibres on knit fabrics, & knew that ball point were best. I also know that a new needle for each project is often a good tip.
Your information is very good, & I love the way you write.
You quilt is very nice - as they all are.
Personally, I'd just use a black as binding. HB 2 me.
That is an awesome quilt. And I agree with all those that said, you are a wonder women to tackle those miters. And the miters add to the "pazazz" of this quilt. Love it !
You know how many years I have been sewing and I NEVER knew about the magnifier on the case. Thanks...
J~MT
I do change my needle before starting a new project - it is definitely cheaper than sewing machine repair, and my old Singer was very fussy about the needle. However, I never knew about the magnifing feature on the Schmetz needle cases! Thanks for sharing your extensive knowledge with the rest of us!
You have given us such great information on this post and on the other one about needles - thank you so much. I had no idea about the magnifier, and I certainly need one. Blessings, marlene
No wonder you stopped the binding half way though that quilt -- so many turns!
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