needle sizes

**astrix** · 05-14-2014, 17:39

Howdy all.Getting ready to start on some projects soon and
will be using the lightweight fabrics for the first time.Certainly
will practice/test on some scraps.My question is,what needle
sizes do you guys find appropriate.Will be working with
Pertex Quantum,and Argons(both of the lighter weights).I
prefer the Schmetz Microtex(Sharp) needles.I have a good
stock of 70/10's.Does anyone find the need to go any smaller
on these lightweight fabrics(65/9's or even 60/8's)?
Thanks in advance for any insight.
Gary

ps:these projects will need to stay downproof

**VictoriaGuy** · 05-14-2014, 17:57

Originally Posted by astrix

Does anyone find the need to go any smaller
on these lightweight fabrics(65/9's or even 60/8's)?
Thanks in advance for any insight.
Gary

What thread will you be using?
I usually gauge the needle to the thread, and I'd have trouble threading anything finer than #70 anyway!

**astrix** · 05-14-2014, 18:06

Oh,sorry.I like to use Gutermann sew-all poly or Mettler Metrosene plus poly.
These are the threads my machine likes and they seem to work well,and are
very available to me.
Gary

**gmcttr** · 05-14-2014, 18:24

A 70/10 should be fine. The small amount of sewing Argon that I have done was with a size 14 microtex.

VictoriaGuy is correct. Match the needle size to the thread and match the thread to the fabric.

**astrix** · 05-14-2014, 18:31

Cool,thanks.I've got a good supply of sizes,so
I'll see what works the best.
Gary

**gmcttr** · 05-14-2014, 19:52

I should add that me using a size 14 needle is a good example of not matching needle and thread to the fabric but it all worked fine and my pillow does not leak down. Getting the thread tension correct was key to a nice stitch.

**Ramblinrev** · 05-14-2014, 21:31

My eyes are bad. I can't thread the smaller needles so I use bigguns all the time. Here's the deal... _For the average DIY_ thread size and needle size need not be related as long as the thread is not too _big_ for the needle. Now before any one gets all het up... I said the _average_ DIY making stuff for yourself and You're not a type A personality. There is nothing "wrong" with matching the needles and threads. If it floats your boat go ahead and do it and wallow in your attention to detail. I'm just saying don't worry about if you want to reduce the complexities of your life.