I feel like a dork! I was trying to order sewing machine needles for my machine the other day and I am always a bit confused about what size to order…80/12? 70/10? 90/14? What does it all mean?
Then I read that the two numbering system is really European and American. So all I have to remember is that I need size 14. I never knew.
Then I had to ask a few of my friends and they did not know either about the European/American numbering system. So I did not feel so bad.
So, in case you did not know all about needle sizes…here is some info for you I picked up from DenverFabrics.com. They also have a very nice downloadable two-page info sheet on describing and selecting the right needle for your sewing project. It is worth printing off and keeping it in your file.
FYI: They suggest sizes 75/11 and 90/14 for Quilting. I pick 14 …and it is now the only magic number I have to remember.
So here is the deal:
There are two numbering systems – the European (based on metric) and the American. Most needle packages list both sizes.
Then I read that the two numbering system is really European and American. So all I have to remember is that I need size 14. I never knew.
Then I had to ask a few of my friends and they did not know either about the European/American numbering system. So I did not feel so bad.
So, in case you did not know all about needle sizes…here is some info for you I picked up from DenverFabrics.com. They also have a very nice downloadable two-page info sheet on describing and selecting the right needle for your sewing project. It is worth printing off and keeping it in your file.
FYI: They suggest sizes 75/11 and 90/14 for Quilting. I pick 14 …and it is now the only magic number I have to remember.
So here is the deal:
There are two numbering systems – the European (based on metric) and the American. Most needle packages list both sizes.
American European
8 60
9 65
10 70
11 75
12 80
14 90
16 100
18 110
19 120
8 60
9 65
10 70
11 75
12 80
14 90
16 100
18 110
19 120
comments
Thanks for the information - it's really useful!
Posted by: Anonymous | August 30, 2006 12:59 PM
80/12s are what I use for piecing and standard sewing. 14s make too big a hole for piecing, in my opinion. but for quilting, probably OK.
Posted by: carolyn | August 31, 2006 5:18 AM
I always use "Quilting" needles, rather than Universal. They have a sharper point and don't distort the fabric. Use size 11 for piecing and 14 for quilting. They even come in a combination pack of 11's and 14's. And don't forget to change your needle with every new project!
Posted by: Sandi Globus | August 31, 2006 7:55 AM
thanks ladies...all good suggestions.
Posted by: gina | August 31, 2006 2:05 PM
Hi from Missouri, Gina! I saw a couple of nifty gadgets out this way while visiting a couple of quilt shops here in the Show Me State. I'll try and get more info out to you about them.
Check out www.quiltsonmain.com an outdoor quilt show here (next weekend) in St. Charles, Missouri.
Leslie B. in Missouri
Posted by: Anonymous | August 31, 2006 3:17 PM
Leslie, I would love to hear more. And give us a report about the show!
"Show-me-More"
Gina
Posted by: gina | September 1, 2006 6:07 PM