Needle size for Bags

[Impressive Threads]

I have some 600 denier polyester tote bags from San Mar to sew today. Should I use a 80/12 sharp needle on these? Also what is the best needle for jackets? Not heavy ones like Carharts but nylon type shell with a lining.
And since I am on the topic of jackets, what changes should I make to designs digitized for shirts to put on jackets? What do you ususally use for acti-feeds settings? The few jackets I have sewn have not come out as nice as I would like and they were difficut to sew. (lots of thread breaks. I do not get much opportunity to sew on jackets.

Thanks
from Sunny 90 degree and up weather in Phoenix
Cindy
Impressive Threads

[Aaron]

Cindy,

I use regular 75/11 needles on both jackets and the 600 denier bags all the time and both those items sew better than shirts do. You can try going to a sharp on the bags but I wouldn't recommend it on the jackets.

[oldkush]

Cindy

We don't have an Amaya so I know nothing about machine settings but when it comes to needles, we use the Groz-Beckert 70/10 San1 RG point needles for virtually all our stitching. Only switch to another needle when absolutely necessary [which is seldom].

Bob

[The Embroidery Authority - OLD]

Cindy,
The beauty of the Acti-feed system is that there should be no settings. It's automatic. Whether it be linen napkins or 3-D puff foam, the machine and software combination will auto adjust whilst sewing so that it is one less thing you have to worry about. (This is of course considering that you are maintaining your machine as you are supposed to)
I see many folks who don't clean or lubricate the necessary points or have thread tangled here and there or just simply abuse there machine like bent arms or stripped screws, etc... (maybe because they are an employee and not the owner) and hence the machine doesn't sew as well as it's capable of and they ask me what is wrong with the machine's settings?
75/11 needle is a good all around needle as it is the middle needle out of five sizes to choose from. A sharp needle will pierce a hole and follow through where as a ball point will push fibers aside as it penetrates the fabric. Hence, if the fabric is a lightly woven or knit fabric, then go with a ball point. If your bags are tightly woven like canvas or denim or have a lining added in, I would go with the sharp. And if you think it matters to you, don't forget the needle companies also offer "light ball" and "medium ball" point needles. They fall between ball and sharp.
In short, here's a little guide... Hold the fabric up to the light. If you can see light shining through the fibers, then use a ball point. If you cannot, use a sharp.
Ed Orantes
Tech & Trainer