100/16 vs 110/18 Quilting Needles: Which Is Better? (October 2026)

On this page (7 sections)

1. What is the difference between a 100/16 and 110/18 quilting needle?
2. When should you choose 100/16?
3. When should you choose 110/18?
4. How do fabric and thread affect the choice?
5. Does needle point or machine type matter more than size?
6. How can you compare 100/16 and 110/18?
7. Which quilting needle size should you use?

A 100/16 needle suits medium fabrics and heavier thread, while a 110/18 is described for medium-heavy to heavy fabrics. Check your machine's needle system and size limits before choosing.

Fabric thickness, thread, needle point, machine type and the number of quilt layers all affect the choice.

What is the difference between a 100/16 and 110/18 quilting needle?

A 110/18 needle is larger than a 100/16. The first number is the metric size, and the second is the Singer size.

The GROZ-BECKERT size guide describes 100/16 for medium fabrics and 110/18 for medium-heavy to heavy fabrics. That makes 110/18 a possible starting point for thicker layers, if your machine accepts it.

A larger needle may suit heavier thread, but moving up a size isn't automatically an improvement. If a 110/18 leaves visible holes or disrupts stitches, try the smaller size if your machine manual allows it.

For the broader sizing method, see How to Select the Right Quilting Needle Size. It helps you weigh fabric and thread alongside the number printed on a needle pack.

What does 100/16 mean on a quilting needle?

100/16 means metric size 100 and Singer size 16. The two numbers refer to the same needle size in different sizing systems.

The GROZ-BECKERT size guide describes metric 100 for medium fabrics. Superior Threads offers a 100/16 topstitch needle for quilting and sewing with heavier thread.

Point type is another part of the choice. The Superior Threads option has a topstitch point, while the GROZ-BECKERT options have different points and machine systems.

What does 110/18 mean on a quilting needle?

110/18 means metric size 110 and Singer size 18. It is larger than 100/16 and is described for medium-heavy to heavy fabrics.

GROZ-BECKERT offers 110/18 as a size option. Before choosing it, check your machine's size limit and needle system, especially if you use a long-arm machine.

When should you choose 100/16?

Choose 100/16 for medium fabrics or when heavier thread needs more room than a smaller needle provides. The machine and needle type still need to match your setup.

Try 100/16 on a quilt sandwich made from the same fabrics, batting and thread as your quilt. Check the sample for skipped stitches, puckering or large holes.

The Superior Threads option is a 100/16 topstitch needle for quilting and sewing with heavier thread. For model-specific choices on a home machine, see needles for the Brother XR9550.

It fits home sewing machines and has a titanium-nitride coating that provides abrasion resistance.

For model-specific selection help, see Brother CS7000X needle recommendations.

If you're piecing quilt blocks, seam accuracy and fabric weight also shape your needle choice. See what size needle for quilt piecing for that decision.

When should you choose 110/18?

Choose 110/18 for medium-heavy to heavy fabrics if your machine supports the size. The thicker needle may suit heavier layers, but it may be too large for lighter fabrics.

The GROZ-BECKERT 134 and 135X5 range includes a 110/18 option and names several compatible needle systems. Check your machine's system before choosing.

The CKPSMS GROZ-BECKERT 134MR needle family also offers metric 110 for medium-heavy to heavy fabrics. Its range includes metric 100 and 110, so confirm the chosen size and machine system.

How do fabric and thread affect the choice?

Let the thickest fabric layer and the thread guide your first choice, then test the stitch. A thicker stack may call for a larger needle, while a needle that's too large can damage lightweight cloth.

A quilt sandwich adds layers, but batting thickness alone doesn't determine whether 110/18 is right. Fabric weave, batting, thread thickness and machine tension all affect how the needle passes through the work.

Use 100/16 as a starting point for medium fabrics and heavier threads. If the needle struggles to penetrate the layers or stitches skip, check that it's inserted correctly, unbent and appropriate for your machine before trying 110/18.

If the seam leaves holes or damages the fabric, step down to 100/16 when permitted. For cotton quilt tops, see the best needle for quilting cotton.

Does needle point or machine type matter more than size?

The needle point and system need to suit your fabric and machine as well as the size. A needle in the wrong system may not fit or may sew poorly.

A domestic sewing machine and a long-arm quilting machine may use different needle systems. For overlocker needle choices, see serger sewing machine needles.

The Superior Threads 100/16 needle fits home sewing machines, while the GROZ-BECKERT ranges name long-arm and round-shaft systems.

Point type also varies. Superior Threads has a topstitch point, the B01L4JHBL6 needle is described as ball point, and the CKPSMS product data identifies a regular point.

Compare the machine manual and fabric needs before choosing.

For a general explanation of machine needle types, read Quilting vs. Sewing Needles: Key Differences.

The difference between piecing and quilting can also shape your needle choice. See what piecing and quilting mean.

How can you compare 100/16 and 110/18?

Sew a test sandwich with your quilt layers and compare the stitches before committing to either size. This helps reveal whether the needle pierces cleanly and whether the fabric puckers or shows holes.

Use the same thread, stitch setting and fabric sandwich for each test. Change one variable at a time, and follow your machine manual for needle insertion and tension guidance.

Inspect both sides of each sample. Look for skipped stitches, broken thread, puckering, fabric pulls and holes that remain visible after the seam relaxes.

If both sizes stitch cleanly, favor the smaller needle that handles your thread and layers. If the 100/16 struggles while the 110/18 makes a clean stitch, the larger size may fit that project better.

Which quilting needle size should you use?

Pick 100/16 for medium fabrics and heavier thread; pick 110/18 for medium-heavy to heavy fabrics when your machine supports it. Confirm the needle system and point type before buying, then test on a matching fabric sandwich.

Choose the 100/16 Superior Threads needle for heavier thread on a home sewing machine. For compatible long-arm machines, choose a 110/18 option from a GROZ-BECKERT range when your fabric calls for the larger size.

Frequently asked questions

Is 100/16 smaller than 110/18?

Yes. A 100/16 needle is smaller in both sizing systems than a 110/18.

The 110/18 has a thicker shaft, which can suit heavier fabric, but check that your machine accepts that needle size and type.

Which needle size is better for quilting?

Neither size is always better for quilting. A 100/16 can suit medium fabric and heavier thread, while a 110/18 is aimed at medium-heavy to heavy fabrics.

Check your machine manual and sew a test seam on fabric layers like your quilt.

Can I use a 110/18 needle in a home sewing machine?

Use it only if your machine manual allows that size and needle type. A thicker needle may be unsuitable for some machines or fabric layers, so check the manual and sew a test seam before quilting your project.