Needle Knowledge

I've been embroidering the last few days, there were a few pending requests for burp cloths and I managed to stitch a bit here and there, making the best use of snatched time when it became available. Unfortunately for me I wasted too many of those precious minutes wrangling with machine issues which, in reality, had nothing to do with the machine and everything to do with needles! Learn from me and save yourself unnecessary frustration.
1. Use a size 90/14 sharp (I love the titanium needles) for embroidering through several layers like these cloth diapers, anything smaller and your thread will fray and break... often.
2. Use a jeans needle (100/16) for topstitching through multiple thicknesses (including the tightly woven ribbon trim) and binding, the point is sharp and your stitches will be perfect.
3. If you're sewing with a fine thread, such as Aurifil, an 80/12 needle is great (again, I love those needles with the titanium coating) but if you're using a slightly beefier 50 wt. cotton on top and in the bobbin you might consider bumping up the needle size too, you'll be happier with the results if you change your needle to a size 90/14.
4. If you're skipping stitches, for any reason, change your needle; it's the best place to start troubleshooting. 99% of the time a fresh needle (the proper size for the task) will take care of the problem.

I read a quote attributed to Michelangelo this weekend: "I am still learning...".

He's certainly not alone~
Life is Good!