From 2006 until 2016 I used big multi-needle, commercial embroidery machines for a living.  We used 75/11 machine embroidery needles that were purchased by the brick (100 needles in each).  Not a problem.  Day in and day out we used the same style and size of needles.  I knew that there are different needles for different jobs but I really didn't experiment much when it came to embroidery.  I used what worked!

I sold that business in March, 2016.  At first I was so busy with life that I didn't have a chance to miss embroidery. Then one day I realized how much I missed having a machine.  For a few months I looked at commercial machines and even the semi-professional multi needle machines but felt that I couldn't justify the price.  

Then last summer my hubby bought me a Brother PE770. 

Simple.  Fairly easy to use.  A super sweet gift!  I used it off and on for several months but my life remained so busy that I didn't have much time to play around with it.

Then, a few weeks ago I was asked to teach a "how to use an embroidery machine" class at the Red Barn Quilt Store in Sanger Texas.   So... I started sewing out samples to use in the class.  Everything was doing well until I broke the needle. 

These are the replacements that came with my PE700. 

I own three Brother sewing machines.  I like the way they work well enough, but mainly I use Brother because of the amazing local service.  However, when it comes to the stuff they provide as replacements...well...that little packet of  three foil wrapped, indescribable needles is a bit pathetic.  I don't know what sizes they are, and even with bifocals I can't see the markings, so I bought Schmetz 75/11 embroidery needles, inserted one into the machine and began stitching.

Or tried to. 

Suddenly I began to encounter all sorts of issues.  One sew out after another had skipped stitches, tension issues, looping and all sorts of problems. One issue after another makes for great samples illustrating problems for the class but every sew out had issues. 

I ruled out bobbin problems, thread path issues and all the other things I knew to do.  Finally I got desperate, got into my stash of sewing machine needles and inserted a Schmetz 80/12 universal needle. 

Just as suddenly the problems stopped. 

Somehow (now that it is stitching again) I find it funny that my PE770 is choosing to ignore what the owner’s manual says about her!   

So far the 80/12 needles are sewing right along.  They won't sew metallics but then neither will a 75/11, and I've put the little machine through the paces making samples for the machine embroidery class I'm teaching on March 11th at Red Barn Quilt Store in Sanger, Texas. 

The moral of this story is not to be afraid to experiment with needles when you are having issues! 

Desperation and frustration led me to try something outside the box. I'm happy that I did! 

 

A handy guide to Schmetz sewing machine needs is http://www.schmetzneedles.com/needle-guide/.