Quilting Basics: Machine Quilting Needles

We read a lot about the various quilting supplies that are important for an excellent outcome. One of the supplies we need to be aware of is the sewing machine needle used when piecing and quilting.

Make sure the needle is changed often; it is the easiest way to improve your stitch quality. Damaged or worn needles result in:

• Broken or shredded threads
• Skipped or uneven stitches
• Puckered or damaged fabrics
• Popping sounds made by the sewing machine

Machine Quilting needles – 130/705 H-Q – are made especially for piecing and machine quilting. The special tapered design allows easier fabric penetration helps eliminate skipped stitches.

Machine Quilting Needles are found in two sizes:

• 75/11, perfect for piecing or machine quilting using fine threads
• 90/14, perfect for machine quilting as the tapered end easily penetrates the multiple layers

We’ll have more Quilting Basics tips from Nina McVeigh here on WeAllSew every now and then – stay tuned! Be sure to check out her previous tips on folding mitered corners, securing machine quilting stitches, the importance of a perfect 1/4″ seam allowance, and echo quilting.