I had to take my machine in a few weeks ago.I was using a size 11 and the repair man said not to use a 11.He told me to use a 14.it had also locked up.

This is a guide one of the Cuties posted a while back.

Reference Guide for embroidery needles Fabric,
Size (US/European),
Point Canvas 75/11
Sharp point Coated or Waterproof fabrics 75/11
Sharp or light ball point Corduroy 75/11
Sharp or ball point Cotton sheeting 75/11 to 90/14
Sharp point Denim 75/11
Sharp point Dress Shirt (Woven) 75/11 to 90/14
Ball point Golf Shirt (Cotton/Poly, Knit) 75/11 to 90/14
Light ball point Golf Shirt (100% Cotton) 75/11 to 90/14
Light ball point Lace 75/11
Sharp point Leather 75/11 to 90/14
Sharp point Lingerie and silk 75/11
Sharp, light ball point Lycra or Spandex 75/11 to 90/14
Medium ball point Nylon 75/11 to 90/14
Light ball point Organza 75/11
Ball point Rayon 75/11
Ball point Satin Jacket 75/11
Ball point Sweater Knit 75/11
Ball point Sweatshirt 75/11 to 90/14
Light ball point Taffeta 75/11
Ball point Terry cloth 75/11
Sharp or ball point Velvet 75/11
Ball point Vinyl 75/11 Sharp point

You're in the right place. (((Love))) general questions about embroidery here

))))DON'T LOVE(((( design and freebie posts here :)

Sorry--don't know much about needles, so I'll wait and read the answers. I keep a needle in project after project and haven't noticed much difference. It is an embroidery needle, however.

Hi there lv2sew - I personally use only SCHMETZ Universal needles. Because I mostly sew on cotton I tend to use the 80/12 needles. Sometimes I may use a 90/14 it depends on the fabric choice. If you are sewing on denim then you would use a stronger needle etc.

This is just my personal choice. I am sure some of the professional sewers will add more information.

Thanks for the question.

Love and blessings Chris

It might depend on your machine. I have a JanomeMC300E and always use the Janome blue tipped 11 on most of my embroidery.And ball point on stretchknit fabrics and fleecy.That is the way I was shown when I got my machine. I also only use Janome needles for my Janomes, because the shank is slightly shorter.

I don't know much about this so I will just give *'s and wait and read the answers.

I have been using Organ 70/10 for everything except for denim. Have I been using the wrong needles? I have a Singer Futura. I haven't been having any problems with them.

Kathy, I see you got your answer - so I will leave you with a flower. *4U

Thanks for posting and thanks to all for there input , Hugs Yvonne

You posted in the PERFECT place, Kathy, that's what the Community was intended for! Well, I use Janome embroidry needles from my dealer for my Janome 300E, or Organ Titanium. The size, as far as I understand, just tells you how thick the needle is and how large the hole. The heavier needles are made for heavier fabric, thinner for lighter fabric, and embroidery needles have a larger eye to not shred thread. I hardly see how you could muck up your machine just using a size 11 needle, unless you broke it off in the machine or bent it and nicked the bobbin case. Maybe a heavier needle for toweling? And for metallic threads, there is a metallic needle designed to make them easier to sew. Did they tell you why the machine locked up? And what kind of machine do you have? Hugs, Marji

I was told when I bought my first Brother to use embroidery needles - I use Schmetz - and they come in 75/11 and 90/14. A different dealer told me to use sewing needles, which I have in a variety of sizes, 70/10 to 110. But I find the embroidery needles give less shredding of the thread.