Many special projects use thicker threads and Top Stitches fall in this category. Top Stitch needles have exceptionally sharp points and a very large eye to accommodate the thick decorative threads.
Available in sizes 80/12, 90/14 and 100/16.
Works superbly on modern sewing machines such as Baby lock, Bernina, Bernette, Brother, Elna, Viking, Janome, Kenmore, Pfaff, Singer and more.
Caution: Not suitable for Industrial Machines because they require needles with a round shank.
Top 10 Sewing Tips:
Tip 1: Needle
Always use Beissel 130-705 H-T Topstitch needle.
Home sewing needles run at speeds up to 750 stitches per minute and even that in most cases sewing is intermittent. So, they are nickel plated which has served well.
Chrome is harmful to environment because of the effluent the plating generates. Chrome plated needles for regular home sewing is best avoided.
Tip 2: Needle
The needle point is likely to become dull after about 8 hours of sewing. It will begin to make a bigger hole and a “punching sound” making the machine work harder.
A needle is the least expensive item in your project. Do not wait for the needle to break. Change to a nice fresh needle after 8 hours of sewing (or) when starting a new project. Your sewing machine will work as it is new!
Tip 3: Needle
Available in sizes 80/12, 90/14 and 100/16. Choose wisely depending upon thread thickness.
Tip 4: Stitch Type
Lengthen the stitches to 3 or 3.5mm to create a straighter-looking line.
Tip 5: Pressing / Ironing
Press well before topstitching to flatten out the seams.
Tip 6: Stabilizer
Stabilize lightweight or drape fabrics with spray starch or by sewing with a layer of tissue paper under the seam.
Tip 7: Sewing Problem
Edge-stitching is sewn 1/8″ from the edge, while topstitching is 1/4″ from the edge. They are both decorative stitches on the face of the fabric.
Tip 8: Presser Foot
If you need to unpick, rip out the bobbin thread on the wrong side and pull the thicker topstitch thread out as a single thread.
Tip 9: Sewing Style
Avoid back tacking.
Tip 10: Sewing Style
Sew with thicker than normal top thread. Objective is to attract attention to the Topstitch.
Sew with the garment right sides up so the topstitch thread ends up on the outside.
