Ann The Gran Community

I have a question about needles & threads and hope it's OK to put both in one forum post.  First, Needles - I currently use Organ needles (that came with my Brother Duetta) and recommended by local store.  However, as I read posts here, it seems that Klasse is also a good needle but wanted to check this out here.  I see that there are ball point, sharp, embroidery, etc. and am wondering which ones I should use when.

Second, on threads.  When I got my Brother I ordered a 61 spool set of polyester threads from a source on line and the appear to be doing fine (not sure of the brand, but not a brand name).  My local store sells ARC threads and I use them also.  I have some Madeira rayon spools that came with a cabinet I purchased and haven't used them much, but plan to.  Again, my local store recommends poly threads instead of rayons.  However, the more I read it appears that if you're doing work that doesn't get a lot of washing (which I'm doing), that rayon may be best.

Any suggestions on best needles and threads and places to purchase will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much to all.  Debbie

Hi, Deb.

I believe it is important to use brand names when it comes to needles and thread.  I have used both Organ and Klasse as well as Schmetz. 

Titanium coated embroidery needles are advertised as lasting longer and better to use when adhesive is use to stabilize the item being embroidered. I use this type of needle and prefer it.  The adhesive I am referring to would be in the form of temporary spray adhesive for sewing or sticky backed stabilizer.

I have not used ARC brand, but have used Madeira and it is a very good brand,  I also use C&C and Sulky, but not black as this color thread is weaker than that of other brands.

I would avoid buying sets of thread unless the colors are those you know you will use.   I stock up when JoAnn Fabric has thread on sale. 

The poly thread stands up to bleach.  I use rayon as it is what is more readily available (for me) and I use bleach with care. 

I use NEB prewound bobbins instead of buying bobbin thread and winding my own bobbins.

There are many, many sties that sell embroidery supplies.  AnnTheGran, Allstitch, Allbrands, ShoppersRule and The Sewphisticated Stitcher are a few that I trust. 

We have been advised to stay away from embsupply.com as it has been proven to be a scam. 

I would also be careful of individuals selling on Ebay (although I am an occasional seller and buyer of other items). 

I am a believer of PayPal and many merchants including AnnTheGran now offer this option of payment.

I am sure there will be other's who will provide you with their preferences, so stay tuned!

Pattiann

Thanks a bunch Pattiann.  I've ordered the NEB bobbins from Ann.  I've been doing my own and not really minding it, but thought I'd try these prewound per your recommendation.  By the way - what do you do with the empty bobbin spools?  Also will just look for threads in colors I really use a lot in poly & rayon. Right now looking for a Madiera color chart to match up with the Brother and ARC threads I have since a lot of my designs are with Madiera Rayon threads.

Thanks again for your response and recommendation.  All of you out there are a great resource.

Deb

Hi, Deb.

I think you will really like the prewound bobbins.  I toss the empty spools as they do not seem to be as strong as the ones designed for rewinding.  They also do not have an opening for anchoring the thread for rewinding.

When I put the bobbin into the bobbin case, I gently steady the bobbin with a finger tip while pulling about 6" of bobbin thread through the guide before snapping off the excess.  This seems to help anchor the thread into the guide.

I also use a Bobbin Center Pin with the prewounds as I have a combo sewing/embroidery machine that uses class 15 bobbins which are a tiny bit taller than the prewounds.   My dealer, who has the same machine as mine and does a lot of embroidery told me he doesn't use the center pin, so I am thinking it could be user's preference.

Floriani has free thread conversion software.

http://www.rnkdistributing.com/conversion.htm

Best Wishes.

Pattiann

There is a blog post on needles.

Needles are very important for many reasons, but an important thing to remember is that embroidery needles generally have a little more 'give' than standard needles.  When you see your machine zipping around a design, you will see just why!

Thread is a choice which can be governed by what you have available locally.  There are many options and opinions on the subject, but try lots of types and use what works well for you.  Some machines have an 'allergic' reaction to some threads.

Again, differing opinions on the purchase of the 'sets' of colors - I think it is a good idea for pricing is usually much better than single buys.  Of course you won't use all the colors, but I like to use the 'odd' colors for test sew outs and for creating a color scheme for designs.  Grass does not have to be green in some projects, so I might make it blue or orange, just for funky fun.

Pat

Thanks a lot to both Pats.  I've ordered some needles to try out and am eager to see the difference.  As for the "odd colors" of threads in the sets, I've started using similar colors in the bobbin when I stitch out letters/fonts.  For some reason my bobbin threads show frequently when I stitch out monograns/lettering.  So to help with that problem, I've started using "like" colors in the bobbin.  Again thanks for input.  Will keep you posted on my progress.

Deb

I started using a Titanium needle and I love it. I use if for most all of my heavy duty sewing and most of my embroidery.

I use a lot of Rayon threads when embroidering; good tip about the using poly on items that will be washed a lot.