This past weekend I saw what has to be the world's largest sewing machine needle - a larger than life Schmetz size 100 needle. It doesn't look especially large laying on the table, but take a look at this next picture where I'm holding it in my hand. Isn't that amazing?! I spent three days attending a sewing machine repair workshop and learned LOTS - first subject was needles. Schmetz made this as a demonstration model to show all the parts of a needle - the eye, the long groove, the scarf and the flat back. The long groove is where the thread lays in to guide it gently towards the eye. Turn the needle around 180 degrees and you'll find the scarf - that little slightly carved out section. This is where the the thread makes a loop and is captured by the hook in the bobbin area. Finally the flat back is ALWAYS opposite the long groove. Keep in mind that the older needles did not necessarily have this flat back.
It's very important to know that the older sewing machine needle system called 15x1 will NOT work in machines from the mid 1970s to the present. So please, if you inherit some sewing machine needles in a case of vintage sewing accessories, do not use them. They could damage your modern sewing machine. Sewing machine needles are so inexpensive that it's not a good place to save money. The standardized sewing machine needle system is the 130/705 and I think that Schmetz makes a superior quality of needle. Just remember to choose the correct needle for the type of thread and fabric that you're sewing. Also change your needles often - every 8 hours of sewing or so. Of course a brand new needle for a new project is never going to be too often. There's more useful information on this post by QuiltersBuzz here.
