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OK - so I must have missed something somewhere along the way....I didn't realize I should be using a special needle when I sew on batiks. This is what was in one of the newsletters I get in my email box periodically. Am I the only one that didn't realize this?


"Batiks have less stretch than regular printed cottons and when sewing with batiks it's a good idea to use a microtex needle which is designed for sewing on fabrics like batiks. You will notice a difference when sewing."

I use a lot of batiks, doing a full size quilt right now, didn`t use any special needle. I did not notice any difference.

I made a top for a baby quilt using batiks and didn't need any special needle. Maybe when it is quilted it might ned it with the thickness but i SID and didn't need anything special. I did however have to tweak the bobbin tension a hair.

hmmmmmmmmm, didn't know that. They are stiffer than other fabrics.

I haven't used any special needles when using batiks, piecing or quilting.

I wonder if those wouldn't be the needles to try if you end up with problems. OR it is another way to sell more needles.

I've pieced quilts of batik and never used special needles. I've not quilted one, but I sure wouldn't buy special needles, unless I ran into a major problem. I think its just another way to sell needles.

This is a small shop near here with drop-dead gorgeous batiks.... I've never bought needles from there but have bought plenty of their batiks.... I should have included the first paragraph as well....

It may also have something to do with the fact that they are between the Joann's and Hancocks...plenty of choices on where to buy some fabric within a 3 mile radius.


"...we just received a beautiful collection of batiks from Benartex. The variety of colors and designs will make it easy for you to mix in your stash and create something beautiful. Good quality batik fabric from independant shops like ours have a higher thread count than regular printed fabrics"

I have noticed periodically that the needle does have a more difficult time going through but have always just assumed that it was because it was time to change (I'm really bad about doing that) - it may have been a combination.

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one Now I have to see if I have some of those needles downstairs and, if not, pick up a pack with a coupon just to give it a try.

Boomer, if your machine needle has been used a while, it might have some difficulties with the batiks. I'd at least start the project with a new needle, whether a "special" needle or what you regularly use. I'm guilty of not changing the needle often enough.

I guess there are just some things in life I prefer to remain oblivious to. These specialty needles will be one of them.

I worked in a crafts store for a while and one day a customer came in wanting to know how to keep her embroidery threads untwisted when she x-stitched. Being a x-stitcher myself I told her how I did it by spinning my needle at the end of my thread frequently and just rubbing my thumb nail across the threads when I stitched them. The store owner was not happy that I was oblivious to a metal thimble that was made for doing what my thumbnail did, and she sold. Oh, well.

I discovered the micro-tec needles several years ago. Schmetz make these, tho other companies might offer a similiar needle too. Just like a jeans needle is sturdier, and better able to handle sewing on the heaviest of fabrics, the micro-tec needle is finer with a smaller needle eye. I like them, but use them when they'll do the job better than anything else I've got. Really glide through the fabrics. I think they are much like a quilting or embroidery needle, without the larger eye for the specialty threads.
http://jhittlesewing.funoverlo...m/sewing/catalog.php
I've only seen/used the finer size 60 & 70.

I've always used a top stitch needle and have never had any problems - and I sew batiks mostly.

I don't do much sewing of batiks but do use microtex sharps 70/10 needles with 50 wt thread to piece my minis. That combination slips easily through the fabric with minimal tugging on tiny pieces.

Editing to add...

I got to wondering why I started using that combination of thread and needles for piecing minis. Finally remembered - Sally Collins in her book "Mastering Precision Piecing" wrote that she recommends Schmetz Microtex 60/8 or 70/10 needles and DMC 50 wt cotton embroidery thread.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bozie,

I just watched the Superior threads DVD on their threads and needles and he said that alot of 'professionals' used top stitch needles...

hmmmm - and I did know that batiks, being a tighter fabric does like a sharp point so, even though I don't change my needle when I sew with them, I did know that. I did not know about the top stitch needle though.. He says that the larger eye on the needle causes less lint with cotton thread..... a problem I do have...

I found the DVD rather interesting, or else I was up to late and willing to watch anything!! No, it was interesting.
https://www.superiorthreads.com/videos/

here is the link for their videos. I really enjoyed the one on Charlotte's Fusible Web - fusible thread for applique!! Me, who does not really like applique has found a way, I think, to enjoy it!!! And since I keep finding applique patterns I like, I needed to find a way to enjoy it!!! I think this is going to work for me!!!

So, go see what you can lean from the link above!!! But don't go crazy!!!!!

I've seen some videos using the fusible thread - hope to see one of your creations soon

Isn't it amazing why we need to smany different kind of needles. I know that some of the problems I have had was simply because I was too lazy to change the needle...once I do I'm so much happier..slow learner I guess

I actually found a package of the microtek needles in my box - heaven only knows how long I've had it or why I bought it in the first place. Recently I gathered up all the needles from various places and put them in a plastic organizer container with a lot for the different kinds - I amazed myself - both with the variety and how many I had of 1 or 2 kinds...obviously, I must need some needles when they go on sale and don't remember how many I already had. this should help if I actually look at it before I go shopping It's good to clean....