Quilt in a Day Forums

Hi all - new to the board and kind of new to quilting. I just bought a new machine and I just started quilting my first project. I'm using invisible thread on the top and matching thread in the bobbin. I'm using the needle that came with the machine, and I'm guessing it's a 90/14. I haven't sewed the much so I can't imagine the needle being dulled so quickly.

The problem I'm having is that the needle seems to be making huge holes while quilting. I'm using a walking foot and stitching in the ditch. The fabrics are light in color so the holes really show up. I've tried adjusting the tension but nothing changes. I've looked at quilts I've done with my old machine (with the oldest needle ever) and you can't see the holes at all.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

I never use anything bigger than an 80/10 needle for quilting. You may try a needle made for machine embroidery, too.

I quilt on a frame, so my needles are size 110 or 120!! BIG holes! But, don't dispair ) Just spray it with a water squirt bottle or wash it, holes are gone. If you use batik backing, you'll really have big holes, same thing, just spray or wash. You don't have to use detergent, just water. Lay flat to dry or dry it. Amie

Hi MD,

Firstly, welcome!!

The thing with quilting or piecing is to use the correct type of needle for the job which will leave the least obtrusive hole in your fabric. I usually use a Schmetz quilting needle size 11 for quilting. I also put a new needle in for every 2-3 bobbins I go through or sooner if the needle seems dull.

I save my used needles in a "tomato" pin cushion which I write on the segments what the size the needles are which I put into. I'll use them for paper foundation piecing cause that will really dull a needle quickly.

I have also found with the mono thread, to decreas the tension by a lot & use a very lightweight bobbin thread.

Hope this helps

i think it sounds like you need a sharper finer needle

Thanks for all the help! I've sprayed it with some water so I'm waiting for it to dry. I'm going to pick up some smaller needles tomorrow too.

Michelle