The Sewing Place

Tools of the Trade => The Haberdashery => Topic started by: Greybird on September 04, 2018, 12:15:40 PM

Title: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: Greybird on September 04, 2018, 12:15:40 PM
I expect most of you might have seen this before, but I hadn't. I found a pack of needles in my overlocker kit that didn't show the code for overlocker needles and I went online to check if they might perhaps have been an equivalent  (they weren't!). I came across this which struck me as very useful.
I always buy Schmetz, but tend always to buy the same needle types and hadn't realised that there were so many different ones. Thought someone else might might find it useful too.

www.schmetzneedles.com/learning/pdf/ABC-brochure.pdf

* Link no longer hosted by Schmetz website!
 
Title: Re: Machine needles
Post by: Acorn on September 04, 2018, 13:02:05 PM
Ooh, thank you - that is very useful.

I realised recently that I have 8 to 10 machine needles stuck in my pin cushion, which means they have been changed because I needed a different type of needle, not because they were old.  A very stupid thing to do, since it meant I had no idea what sort of needles they were.  However, they are mostly Schmetz needles, so I should be able to work out what they are from the colour coding. :)
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: Greybird on September 04, 2018, 14:45:49 PM
Thanks for the edit @Francesca - much better!
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: Ploshkin on September 04, 2018, 18:17:00 PM
Thank you for that Greybird.  I usually compare the orphan needles in the pincushion with the unused ones in the boxes.  I'd realised that different needle types had a colour but don't think I realised that there were different colours for the sizes hence my confusion sometimes.
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on September 04, 2018, 18:41:04 PM
I never knew there was such a thing as a double eye needle  :o

Excellent guide, thank you Greybird.
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: Renegade Sewist on September 05, 2018, 05:26:02 AM
I actually have the little commercially printed pocket guide. Can't remember where we got them. Did you notice on the PDF that they also have an app for checking? Gotta love the modern world. Too bad I don't have a smart phone.
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: Sheilago on September 05, 2018, 08:41:22 AM
Thanks for this. I always play safe and buy Janome needles for my Janome. Might try these.
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: Lachica on September 05, 2018, 19:50:54 PM
Thanks for this, very useful. I'd realised the needles were colour coded but was confused by them. There's also an Android app which I've just downloaded.
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: Esme866 on January 01, 2019, 06:58:36 AM
This is great! 

Did anyone else notice there is a needle recommended for "poor quality thread". :S

I also didn't realize that there was an extra wide double needle. Need to see if my machine will accommodate that.
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: mums sewing machine on November 06, 2019, 18:20:54 PM
Just come across this - so useful- thank you x
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: So Chic on November 07, 2019, 10:48:09 AM
@Sheilago
Schmetz make the needles for Bernina so you might find that your Janome needles are also made by Schmetz.
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: Iminei on November 07, 2019, 11:44:04 AM
WOW ... Never knew there were colours on the needles ...

I can see the colours on the Janome needles but have never noticed colours on the schmetz,
I use the Janomes because I can easily see the colours.
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: sewingj on November 17, 2019, 12:24:46 PM
Can anyone tell me if there is actually much difference between "Stretch" needles and "Jersey"  I seem to have both in my stash
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: Ohsewsimple on November 17, 2019, 12:30:00 PM
Stretch is generally used for fabric with elastane (Lycra) in it.  I generally get away with jersey or ballpoint needles on my jersey with elastane fabric. 
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: wrenkins on August 03, 2020, 12:47:36 PM
@Greybird's original link has gone missing so I thought I'd pop this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y6cBw-a-zU) in. I found it very informative. Skip through the first bit.
Title: Re: Pocket Guide to Schmetz Machine Needles
Post by: sewminds on June 15, 2021, 02:48:28 AM
@Greybird Very handy thank you! Downloaded for future reference and purchases. I've made a start, jeans needles in hand. Next I think I should get some for stretch knits.