Serger needles question

[SmilieFace]

Is there only one type of needle for a serger or are there different types? Do I need to buy special serger needles to serge on denim and knits? I have a Singer serger, meaning I have to buy special needles, and I didn't see any denim or knit needles the last time I went shopping. I wonder if I can just buy regular needles and use those? I have a Singer U334B.

[Magot]

My Elna takes ordinary Elna needles - just more of them! Perhaps it is the same for Singers. I never used special needles for knits but it is recommended that you change your needles every project - they get far more wear than a needle in an ordinary machine.

[DorothyL]

My serger -- a Pfaff -- uses serger needles. I use 90s for heavy fabrics like denim and 80s for most fabrics.

Dorothy

[MartySews2]

Smilie, I only use the recommended needles in my sergers & the brand that I buy is Schmetz. I get them in bulk from http://www.discountembroiderysupply.com as they are a wee bit cheaper & have all sizes in stock plus often I get free shipping. I like to keep a large supply of needles on hand. I use the ELX-705 in my Pfaff & in my Eclipse. I change my needles at least once a month or more often depending on much I'm sewing. For my sewing machine, I also use Schmetiz needles & change after 8 hours of sewing. If I'm embroidering (which I did a lot this month) I change my needles every 50,000 stitches or so. I have not tried using regular sewing machine needles in my serger but I know some people who do. I would look at your manual for recommendations regarding needles to be on the safe side.
Marty

[lendube]

My Viking can only use Inspira needles and I use 90 for all but the lightest weight fabrics. I have a sneaking suspicion that Viking makes Inspira........ My Babylock could use regular sewing machine needles. I really liked that.

Doesn't your manual explain about the needles, Smilie? If you use the wrong kind you will definitely have problems! No doubt about that.

[temom]

My Brother uses regular machine needles. I use 12 for the regular stuff and 14 for the heavier things.

[LeapFrog Libby]

My Serger Manual( babylock made the serger) tells me to use only 705 needles in my serger, and my cover stitch machine made by Janome tells me the same thing.. I only use what they say to use. Now I do change the size according to fabric, but only 705's get put on those 2 machines. I do not buy Singer needles even for my 221 , I only buy S?? the brand Marty mentioned. My Janome tells me Not to use Singer needles as they are a tad longer than other brands and will mess up my machine.