I was introduced to the wonderful world of Schmetz needles shortly after I started sewing. In my experience they simply work better than most other needles, staying sharp longer and breaking less frequently. They're a bit more expensive, but I've found that they're more than worth that extra cost.

It's recommended that you start each project with a fresh needle, so you'll definitely want to keep a pack or two at hand -- it's so frustrating to break your last needle late at night and not be able to sew anything until the stores open the next day! Great to tuck in with a sewing-related gift or gift certificate, too!

This set offers a nice variety of Schmetz needles -- four universal needles (in three sizes), two stretch, two jeans, and one double-point needle. Use as follows:

Universal Point Needle – Use for most woven and knit fabrics, in all household machines that require a flat shank. The slightly rounded point is sharp enough to pierce tightly woven fabrics, yet rounded enough to push between the yarns of a knitted fabric.

Jeans Needle – Theese needles have a very sharp point and stiff shank, and are used for stitching denim, jeans, canvas and multiple layers of fabric.

Stretch Needle – With a deeper scarf to prevent skipped stitches, stretch needles are used with fabrics containing spandex. They may not be compatible with all machines.

Double Needles have a single shaft with a crossbar that has two needles on it. They can be used with zigzag sewing machines that thread front-to-back. Double needles sew two rows of stitching at the same time, which is useful for hemming, heirloom sewing, and decorative stitching.