Titanium-plated needles are stronger, more durable and last longer than traditional needles. But are they worth the added cost?
Needles are essential to machine embroidery and like anything else, you get what you pay for. While there may be some discussion on when to change your needle, in the overall scheme of things, needles are relatively inexpensive.
Why Titanium?
With a thin titanium-nitride ceramic finish, titanium needles are three times harder than chrome and are ideal for high-speed stitching.
Because they hold up better long term, titanium machine embroidery needles work well with large stitch-count designs or stitching on heavier materials, like denim or canvas. The coating keeps them stitching smoothly and prevents overheating, bending, or breaking better than regular machine embroidery needles.
Titanium helps keep needle tips sharper longer. With less needle changes and better performance, stitching with titanium needles makes for much more enjoyable embroidery.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t use them for embroidery on quilting cottons. It just means they will last even longer. Sure, you may pay a bit more for them but titanium needles last up to six times longer than regular nickel-plated needles. Much like pre-wound bobbins, titanium needles are a better buy in the long run, especially when you buy in bulk.
Many machine embroiderers have better experiences using titanium needles when stitching on sticky adhesive stabilizers and even fusibles typically used with applique. The ceramic coating reduces buildup on the needle.
Titanium needles come in a variety of standard sizes and are available from most of your favorite needle manufacturers like Schmetz, Organ, and Superior.
Use what you’ve got and, if you are in the market to experiment a bit, give titanium a try.
Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie
Susan Elston - April 19, 2023
I was very skeptical of using the titanium needles when they first came out and was told that if you’re not right there when a needle broke that it could do severe damage to the machine. I finally gave in and within several hours of sewing a needle broke and oh yeah did it do some real damage. After about a year I decided to try again on a different embroidery machine and yes it did it again. So I am sticking with my original needles. I have a friend who has been using the titanium needles since she bought her machine a few years ago and has never had any issues. All I can say is be careful and good luck!
Debbie Henry - April 19, 2023
Thank you for sharing, Linda – If you made displays, you certainly did use them a lot! I miss Hancock fabrics!
Debbie Henry - April 19, 2023
So glad it was helpful, Nancy!
Nancy Coley - April 17, 2023
Great information. I always wondered about them. Now I know! Thanks
Linda B - April 17, 2023
I love titanium needles. I sew a lot, and have an embroidery machine, along with a regular sewing machine. I used to work at joAnn Fabrics and Hancock fabrics making the displays for all the stores. I use these a lot. They last longer, they don’t get “Hot” when using them a lot, and the have less breakage! For anyone that sews or embroiders a lot I would highly recommend them!