What needle size to use?

[Dustee]

I am quilting batik top and backing, wool batting and King Tut thread. What would be the best needle size to use? This is my first time quilting with batik top and backing. I am not finding it much fun.

[WestieMom]

Duster, I'm sure you'll get different answers on this. I can only speak from experience when I quilted my sons batik quilt. I pre washed all of the batiks before piecing and used a 4.0 needle. I started with a 3.5 but the needle broke so I went up a size. I did have to slow down a bit while quilting and also made sure that the sandwich was not stretched too tight on the frame. It came out great and no further issues after I went up a needle size. I used Essential Pro thread top and bottom and Hobbs wool batting. You'll do great! Please share a picture when done.

[ffq-lar]

Superior Thread has a lot of information on their site. As a rule, the needle size is matched to the thread weight. You can use any weight thread with any fabric/batting combo but realize that some adjustments are necessary. King Tut is thick and even with batiks, go up to a 4.5 if you have one. Tut is freaky--loops on the back and occasional breakage are my usual problems. Top tension is tighter than you would normally stitch and the bobbin a bit looser. Sewer's Aid is a must--and as Carol advised--back off on the roller a bit.

If you have concerns about wool batting--it compresses under the hopping foot so usually no adjustment is necessary. If you want to use puffy poly, sometimes the hopping foot needs to be raised to accommodate that.

[Guest Linda S]

I always take the position that you should do what you think best and if it doesn't work, adjust from there. To tell you the truth, I changed down to a size 16 titanium needle about a month after I got my machine and I've never used anything else. I do have some 18s if I think I need them, but I haven't needed them yet!