Let's Talk About Threads And Needles

[l2bravo]

So I have had a Cowboy 3200 for not quite a month now. I have Organ needles, in 24, 25, and 26. I am not even sure which ones I got with the machine (maybe you guys would have an idea). I have bought some 207, 277, and 346 thread. I have experiemented quite a bit, and sewn quite a bit of stuff with it. I have learned quite a bit about tensions and thread sizes, just want to experiement some with needles.

Which brings me to the subject.

What needles do you guys like, and where do you get them? What brands/ which tips? Does anybody ever use the 7x3 plain point needles for medium stuff?

What thread brands do you guys like? Is polyester any better than bonded nylon?

If you care to elaborate, do you have a preference, for any certain material/needle/thread sizes?

[Art]

7x3 are for sewing canvas tents.

I like Schmetz and Grös-Beckert. I like the D or Diamond point or the TRI, and sometimes the LR.

The Japanese needles (Organ) are bendy as far as I am concerned, but I have yet to try the Ti coated ones I have friends that use Organ needles exclusively and love them.

I use whatever I have (poly or nylon) in the color and size I want. I run Barbour's linen in my Campbell.

Unless made of unobtanium, the price differences are not a factor for me.

Art

[TinkerTailor]

Just a heads up, my techsew came with needles that had green packages that were very similar to the organ packaging, but were not genuine. I do not know if all the clone companies use the same accessory kit or not, but i would not be surprised if they do.

[l2bravo]

Tinker, that is interesting. Mine are labeled Organ, and I bought a couple of extra packages as well.

Art, what/when do you use the different points? What do you get in the final product, that is different when you do? Where do you get them at?

Thanks guys! I am having a great time learning this all, and just want to learn more. Josh

[Art]

The D (Diamond) and TRI points tend to give a straight stitch line. The LR stitches have a little "cant" to resemble hand stitching.

Art

[Darren Brosowski]

Schmetz are the best needles bar none.

Second tier needles that are still very good are;

Organ - made in Vietnam in a Japanese owned and run factory

TNC - Taiwan Needle Company. Set up by the Germans.

DOTEC - Another Taiwanese company set up by the Germans.

Groz Beckert - German company who do not manufacture their own needles. I am not sure but I suspect they are made in Taiwan

Third tier - Not too far behind

Toyo Needles - not well known but the best quality made by Henry Needles in China

Orange - Korean company but quality is variable.

Everything else is "good luck". Some needles are ok for certain applications but not worth the risk on leather.

This is my experience only and I won't be upset if those with more experience have other views.

[shoepatcher]

For info, Schmetz needles are not made in Germany anymore. They are made in India my sources tell me. Groz Beckert needles where ever they are made I have found to be as good as Schmetz. We use both in our factory. Both Organ and Groz Beckert make Titanium coated needles in certain systems which are great. I have found them both to be superior to Schmetz needles in those systems. Schmetz does not make a Ti coated needle to my knowledge. This info based on day to day use in our factory over the last 5 plus years that I have been there.

glenn

[TinkerTailor]

For info, Schmetz needles are not made in Germany anymore. They are made in India my sources tell me. Groz Beckert needles where ever they are made I have found to be as good as Schmetz. We use both in our factory. Both Organ and Groz Beckert make Titanium coated needles in certain systems which are great. I have found them both to be superior to Schmetz needles in those systems. Schmetz does not make a Ti coated needle to my knowledge. This info based on day to day use in our factory over the last 5 plus years that I have been there.

glenn

Just bought some brand new ones from a new shipment i was told, made in germany right on package.

[Wizcrafts]

I prefer using titanium coated needles on my walking foot machine and my patchers (same needle system). The reason is that I use "leather" tape from Wawak to hold seams down for sewing. The tape tends to grab a hold of regular needles and the thread and gum them up. This is less apparent on the titanium needles which seem to resist gumming up much better. Also, there is less smoke when I sew very fast on long straps, where my speeds often reach 15 or more stitches per second.

Edited January 2, 2016 by Wizcrafts

[Ken Nelson]

I cannot think that fast let alone sew nearly that fast. I am envious! LOL