KT Winner
The winner of last week's 6-pack of gold fat 1/8's is:
kmcallister - My
favorite thread is also Aurifil 50 wt. Have used it ever since a
repair man of Featherweights told me it would be the best to use on my
machine. I have purchased the big cones I love it so much.
Thanks for commenting. Enjoy your bits of KT sunshine.
Question of the Week:
What is your favorite needle size? Why? How often do you change your needle?I use a size 70/10 in my Bernina. The size of your needle needs to be compatible with the size of your thread. Finer thread requires a smaller needle, so my favorite Aurifil 50wt. thread fits well in a size #70 needle. There's a groove in your sewing machine needle just above the eye. The thread needs to fit in that groove snugly for a good stitch. If your needle is too large, you can have wobbly stitches and uneven seams because there's too much movement in the thread when guided through the eye of the needle. If your needle is too small for your thread, it can cause tension issues and breakage.
I change my needle about every other month. I don't sew as much as I'd like, but that's about the same as piecing a queen size quilt (or several smaller projects) before changing needles. I can start to see a difference when it's been too long, especially with my layered patchwork topstitching, when the thread begins to pull or the needle seems to stick a bit. It's an inexpensive quick fix anytime I'm having stitch issues.
Moda Blockheads Block #5
Block 5 - Coronation - Lisa Bongeanhttp://unitednotions.com/Block5LB_Coronation.pdf
Lisa's block is wonderful! It will inspire and challenge
us to up our game and learn to work with tiny pieces. I've gotten
so used to playing with precuts, that this block was a wake-up call for
me, too. I went from "What-the-heck?" (and for those of you who really
know me, it wasn't heck), to "I can totally do this!", to "Why don't I
play with little pieces more often"? I can't wait to see all the
variations this week.
Kathy did a great job with her patriotic inspired theme using Lisa's fabrics. She sent this too cute chicken pincushion in the box with her blocks as a surprise - how fun!
Kathy did a great job with her patriotic inspired theme using Lisa's fabrics. She sent this too cute chicken pincushion in the box with her blocks as a surprise - how fun!
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| Kathy's traditionally pieced Coronation Block #5 |
Lisa's Info
Blog - https://lisabongean.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/primitivegatherings.quiltshop/ or https://www.facebook.com/lisa.bongean
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lisabongean/ or
https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_quiltshop/ or
https://www.instagram.com/primitive_gatherings_ca/
Block #5 - Coronation - Lynne's LP Option
Joy used my Layered Patchwork (LP) method to simplify Lisa's block with half as many seams and much less pressing. Click the link above for my LP instructions for Block #5.
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| Joy's layered patchwork version of Lisa's block. |
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| Back of Kathy's traditional block on left; Joy's LP block on right. |
Comment this week for a scrap bag of reds/tans/blues in honor of Lisa's block. Share your answer to the Question of the Week on FB along with your finished blocks with #modablockheads. See you next week!
I will have to admit that I usually only change the needle when it breaks or am having an issue with the stitching. Sometimes I start to hear this clicking sound, caused from stitching over my pins I know, and then I will change the needle. What a difference this makes.
ReplyDeleteA new needle is a little gift to yourself. Kinda like putting in a new rotary blade. Why do we torture outselves???? :)
DeleteI use a 70 needle and I usually only change when I have problems or give my machine a deep cleaning. As soon as I change I always think, 'I should do this more often'.
ReplyDeleteSo, I think it is time to change my needle. I honestly can't remember when I did it last, which means it's been a while.
ReplyDeleteI too forget to change my needle - I use a 70 - I love the coronation block!
ReplyDeleteLisa's block looks like a challenge for sure. I change my needles
ReplyDeleteAlot cause I'm always thinking that's why my points don't come out perfect. Ok, maybe I'm in denial. Anyway my needle size is usually an 80/12, but I use aurfil thread so I'll be picking up a 70/10 pkg. Next time I go to my LQS. Great tip about needle size with your weight of thread.
I, too, use 70/10 needles in my Bernina especially since I use Aurifil thread. However, I use 80/12 when I am quilting items. I usually change my needles when I start a new project…it seems to help with the piecing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the information about using 70/10 needles. I use an 80 for piecing and 90 for quilting.
ReplyDeleteI tend to change my needle with each new project.
I usually change my needle only when I am having problems like if there is a burr on it. I probably should do it more often but I don't think of it.
ReplyDeleteI use only Aurifil thread in my Baby Lock Crescendo machine along with 70/10 needle. I fill 6 bobbins at a time and when those bobbins are empty I change my needle.
ReplyDeleteI am never sure what size needle to use, and I have to admit I am the world's worst at remembering to change it.... I had an 80 in and I occasionally get an odd stitch, I've just changed it to a 70 (using Aurifil) and it stitches perfect! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI usually change my needle when it breaks! I usually buy the "universal needle" but since I need more needles and use Aurifil thread I am going to buy the 70/10. Thanks for the hint.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte
I use Aurifil thread and 75/11 needles. I buy the 100 packs of needles so no excuse to not change often. Thanks for all the tips in making mini blocks.
ReplyDeleteI use a variety of threads in my machine, so needle size varies with the thread I am using. I keep one of those tomato pincushions by my machine and have labeled each section for a different size needle and then toss a needle either after a big project or when I notice a change in my stitches.
ReplyDeleteI have a multi pack of 70/10 & 80/12 on hand all the time. These are my go-tos. I just changed my needle out on Monday...now I need to change out my rotary cutter blade!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful block! I only change my needle if it breaks are causing issues while I'm sewing.
ReplyDeleteI usually use an 80/12 or 90/14, and I am guilty as charged of only changing the needle when problems come up. I know needles are not expensive, but this has worked for me for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI usually use an 80/12 needle. I try to put in a new needle before every new project, but I'm guilty of forgetting quite often so it's probably more like every second or third project unless I'm having some sort of issue that makes me do it sooner.
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ReplyDeleteLove all the blocks! My favorite needle size is 70 with my favorite Aurifil thread!
ReplyDeleteNeedle sizes always confuse me... and trying to remember what to use when is even harder.... I still relatively new at quilting and everyone you meet seems to have an opinion. I am currently using a 65/9 but after reading your post I am going to try the 70/10 to see if I see a difference. I don't have a regular schedule for changing my needles. I try to do it about every other quilt.
ReplyDeleteI am confused, I thought you closed your Facebook page?
ReplyDeleteMy favorite needles for stitiching are the 80/10 or 11 size. Perfect match for Aurifil 50 weight!
I had 2 pages open - one was business, the other personal. This is the official KTQ site. Glad you found me again!
DeleteI generally use the 80 size. I change needles when the urge strikes me depending on how many projects I've done. I actually clean my machine more often than I change needles.However, I change my longarm needles every quilt. My longarm is a lot less forgiving. Love the block. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI usually use an 80/12 needle and change it when I start incurring problems sewing.
ReplyDeleteI use 80/10 needles and usually sew until I hear a difference in the needle hitting the fabric. On my machine there is a distinctive change of sound when my needle isn't sharp anymore. In truth, I should change it more often.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried a 70/10 needle - but do use 75/11. I will pick up a package next time and give it a try. I almost always use Aurifil 50 wt thread and both I and my machines love it.
ReplyDeleteI usually use an 80 needle and only change it when it breaks. I know I should change more often but I just don't think about it!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the posts on needles I checked my stash - most are 80/12. I change my needle when it breaks or when it sounds funny hitting the fabric. I'm going to try the 70/10 - great excuse to go to my LQS today!
ReplyDeleteI usually use an 80/12 or 75/11 in my sewing machine. Those sizes just seem to work best for most things. I usually change my needle when I'm going to quilt, or start a new project.
ReplyDeleteI usually use a 80/12 needle and only change it when I break it or I notice it is not working just right. Thanks for the great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteSince I tend to forget to line up the needle when I turn on my machine it breaks often enough not to get dull. I use the smallest I can get away with for my thread but off the top of my head I don't remember the size marked in the slot I take it from. One more thing being part of cyber quilters groups that I am learning
ReplyDeleteI change needles at the start of every large project and then change again when I quilt it. I will changed after a couple of small projects. And if I haven't sewn in awhile, I change a needle. A small, fairly inexpensive habit to help insure better results.
ReplyDeleteI've recently been using microtex needles, size 90/14 I think. I'm going to try a 70/10 size though because I can't get the automatic needle threader on my Bernina Activa to work with the microtex needles. Thanks for the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteIt's been so great to see the different versions of the Block Head blocks--such a fun sew along!!
ReplyDeleteIs htat Breezy Point, MN?
DeleteI usually use a 80\12 topstitch needle .... it seems to work best for my favorite threads. I like to change it when I am having problems or after a large project.
ReplyDeleteI, too, use a 70/10 needle & was told by the women who sold me my sewing machine to change it every 40 hours or so of sewing. I think that's a big tip!
ReplyDeleteNeedles??? I can't stop laughing at the photo of the backs of Blockheads #5. You got this one Lynne! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI like microtex needles-size 80/12 or 70/10.
ReplyDeleteI think I am in need of a few machine needle tutorials. I am not sure the last time I changed mine and I use my machine a lot. Thank you for the education. :/
ReplyDelete80/12 mostly ...I should change my needle more often t h en I do.... happyness04431@yahoo.com
ReplyDelete80/12 mostly ...I should change my needle more often t h en I do.... happyness04431@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI really like Joy's color choices. I am also enjoying the pictures of how Kathy irons on the back of the block. I miss quilting with Kathy. She does beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteIt depends on what I am sewing as to which needle I use. I do embroider a lot, but also love to piece. When piecing wovens, I use a 70/10 needle.
ReplyDeleteHelp, I've somehow misplaced block 4. Can you resend it to me. Thanks in advance, Linda Cammilleri
ReplyDeleteHelp, I've somehow misplaced block 4. Can you resend it to me. Thanks in advance, Linda Cammilleri
ReplyDeleteI use 80/12 mostly. I really love that little flag quilt. I have two precut flags that I need to use. I made a patriotic quilt using the other four.
ReplyDeleteWhen piecing I use Aurifil thread with either an 80 or 70 Schmetz Microtex needle. When the stitching begins to make a dull sound as it pierces the fabric, I know it's time to change the needle...which is probably longer than I should wait. I like the five bobbin idea.
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ReplyDeleteThat picture is LPriceless!!!
ReplyDeleteI found a barely electric old sewing machine in a boyfriend's garage 20 years ago and used it until it wouldn't pierce the holes in Swiss cheese... and got so frustrated that I almost quit sewing before I'd really even begun. Now I probably change needles too frequently, but needles are cheaper than headaches! If I can't remember when it was changed, or start a new project or every 6-8 LPiecing hours (actual sew time, so yeah, about a Queen size) or change textiles, I change accordingly... I learned the hard way that using new needles, and the right needle for the job, are an investment in both sanity and lovely results.
I use Inspira Microtex for LPiecing and am surprised to see that they're a 60/8, also Inspira Quilting 90/14,the Inspira Embroidery 80/11, etc., as applicable... they just do well in my Husqvarna.
I really like that they have different colors on the neck that easily identify them as to the application (Microtex, Quilting, Embroidery, Stretch, Denim, etc.)
I use a 70/10 in my Janome 8900
ReplyDeleteI use the 70/10 in my Janome, but sometimes the Microtex needle as well. I do try to change it especially after completing a large project (a recent King in March comes to mind!), but if there are skipped stitches I definitely change the needle. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI only change needles when a problem arises: if I hit a pin, it breaks, or my piecing seems to be off. I use a 80 needle and aurifil thread for piecing.
ReplyDeleteI use a Schmitz needle size 70/10 on my Bernina and I change to a new needle with every project.
ReplyDeleteI use an 80/12 needle in my machine. I sew daily so I change my needle on the 1st of each month as well as clean and oil my machine.
ReplyDeletemay we have instructions of the flag quilt please? I love it!
ReplyDeleteI usually change my needle only when I am having problems like if there is a burr on it. I probably should do it more often but I don't think of it
ReplyDeleteตารางคะแนนพรีเมียร์ลีก