[cybele727]

So as I’ve been sewing this, I’ve noticed something- a needle issue.

I use a ballpoint for the knit. I used a regular sharp for the woven, but when I sew woven and knit together, which should I use? The sharp will “cut” the knit fibers rather than push them out of the way, but the ballpoint on the woven sounds like the dullest needle grinding through the woven and like I am about to break something.

So which do you prefer when sewing knit and woven together?

Does it matter which fabric is on top?

Just wondering how you all handle it.

[with love Heidi]

Sorry I can’t be of help, my machine hates ball point or stretch needles so I sew everything with universals. And get great results.
Maybe try a universal needle?

[Lightning McStitch]

This may sound heretical, but I often sew with whatever is in the machine and don’t notice any difference.
When I bought my overlocker it came with Universal needles and I queried the salesman as I thought they should be jersey or ball point needles. His reply was that nothing is “sharp” anymore with the exception of denim needles…
In case I’m giving anyone the horrors, I promise that when I sew a fine lawn I always get a new, fine Universal needle out.
Otherwise, rock with whatever is working best.

[Sarvi]

Ditto the above — unless a particular needle is giving me problems like the popping/grinding you mentioned, I just use universal needles for everything, including knits.

[cybele727]

Oh this is funny. I gave up Univerals a while ago and totally forgot about their existence. Now that I think on it, I gave up Universals because the machine I was working on “hated” them. It had lots of problems and hated everything.

I got used to using specialized needles and forgot about Universals. But in November, after yet another frustrating hate session with my machine, the dealer basically said, “chuck it. Let’s get you a new one… this one’s a lemon.” But the specialized needles stuck in my head.

I will go get some, just for this type of sewing. Thanks for reminding me.

[Nicole]

#teamballpointneedle here, I am very particular with needle choice and always use ballpoint needles for knits.
I do agree though, a nice sharp universal for attaching the woven collar would be best.

Any blunt needle will cause problems, some you may not be aware of until you wash your garment. I hate those little ‘pull’ marks that can appear.

Always throw away the needle if you hit a pin, it is damaged and can really spoil your project.

[cybele727]

I am a tad particular too. Once I left univerals, the quality of the stitch was much improved. But in this case a universal would be perfect.

[cybele727]

Thank you all for reminding me.