xtraquilts Posted June 22, 2006 Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 I am wondering why only size 4 needles are recommended? What happens when you use a 3? I hate those big holes the 4's put in the fabric and like to pair the needle size closer to the thread size. Sue Tennill McKinney, TX Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thequiltqueen Posted June 22, 2006 Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 I have used 3.5 needles, sometimes successfully. I know a lot of people use them all the time. My problem with them was that when my timing was SLIGHTLY off, I had stitch problems. I became very frustrated trying to figure out what was wrong, and was about to toss Princess Stitchy out the window!! Luckily, I watched the maintenance video instead, and discovered the problem was my timing and the slightly smaller needle was the straw that broke the camel's back as far as stitch quality. With the 4.0 needle, the timing problem was "masked". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Mitchell Posted June 22, 2006 Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 The MR 4.0 does not flex as much as the smaller needles and many quilters tend to overdrive their machine. Sometimes this causes issues with flexing the needle into the hook. We use MR 3.5 needles here at Country Lane about 99% of the time. With the machine timed to a 4.0 you can easily go up or down .5. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clovismom Posted June 22, 2006 Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 Is there any talk about making a smaller foot and allowing for smaller needles like the prodigy does? Raquel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenscratch Posted June 22, 2006 Report Share Posted June 22, 2006 I have been using 3.0 needles in my machine all week. I just have to turn them slightly to the left in order for the timing to be right. Weird I know. Anyway, they do leave a smaller hole, but they break when you get to overlapping seams sometimes. Teresa www.chickenscratchquilting.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clovismom Posted June 26, 2006 Report Share Posted June 26, 2006 Teresa Where do you buy your 3.0 needles from? Raquel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltaholi_518 Posted June 27, 2006 Report Share Posted June 27, 2006 I use a 4.0 almost exclusively, but when I work on batiks I go down to a 3.5 for the sake of the smaller hole. 4.0 os a sturdy all pupose the seems to better with thread not breaking, etc. From day 1 I have always had thread breakage, better now that I have put another pigtail between my take-up and next pigtail.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenscratch Posted June 27, 2006 Report Share Posted June 27, 2006 Raquel, I ordered them from Kingsmen or Nancy's Notions. The package says Innova/ MUVA Made in Germany. I just had to specify which machine I had and they sent the right needles. The only problem is you have to use So Fine or something similar because the eye is small. Teresa www.chickenscratchquilting.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksong Posted June 27, 2006 Report Share Posted June 27, 2006 I would really like to have a finer needle option to do smaller wall size quilts, etc. The finer stitches would be more in porportion with the quilt size and have a more delicate look. APQS...any chances of this becoming available in the future? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xtraquilts Posted June 28, 2006 Author Report Share Posted June 28, 2006 Thanks for the advice. I have tried the 3.5 needles and am having no trouble using them. I have had a Gammill Optimum since 1999 and used any size needle I wanted. It just never occurred to me you had to avoid different sizes. I always choose the needle to match the thread I was using. I really can't understand someone inventing a sewing machine that only uses one size of needle! Mostly I was afraid of breaking something the very first week I had my new machine...guess I'll have to get over that. Many thanks for all the suggesstions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katie.mac Posted June 28, 2006 Report Share Posted June 28, 2006 So which needle will be best for a batik quilt? I have one coming up soon and I have always used the 4.0. Katie APQS Millennium Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Judi Posted July 1, 2006 Report Share Posted July 1, 2006 Katie - For a Batik quilt I always put in a new needle and a 3.5, never have tried a 3.0 - not sure about that. The 3.5 is great, smaller hole and works well with "Rainbows" thread which really shine on Batik fabric!Good Luck - It will look great! I did have a problem with the last batch of needles I purchased through APQS - every single row - on a Batik quilt - the needle would get a burr or a hook on the tip. Almost like it was hitting something and getting dull. Put in a different brand - Groz-Beckert - No more problems! I do NOT want to have to put a new needle in for every row! I have these needles in 3 sizes, 16 (3.5) 18 (4.0) and 19 (which I have not tried yet) Ordered them from Kingsmen website. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
azblondie Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 I have a new question? What about titanium needles, I hear they are so smooth. Has anyone tried these? I would like to know if anyone has any and would you please share your experience with them. I heard they break less, less deflection and they go into the fabric like it's butter. Cost alittle more and are well worth it. Where can I get them? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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