How to Choose a Needle for Machine Sewing
Sewing machine needles, like their hand-sewing counterparts, should be chosen according to the weight and texture of the fabric to be sewn.
Things You'll Need
- Serger Manuals
- Sewing Machine Manuals
- Ball-point Sewing Machine Needles
- Sergers
- Sewing Machine
- Standard Sewing Machine Needles
- Wedge-point Sewing Machine Needles
- Paper And Pencils
Instructions
-
-
1
Know that most readily available machine needles are sized from 9 to 18 - the smaller the number, the smaller the needle. This remains true, even if the needles you purchase use a different numbering system.
-
2
Use standard sharp sewing machine needles in sizes 11 to 14 for most sewing projects. A smaller-sized needle is best for sheer or lightweight fabrics. Sizes 16 to 18 are used for heavyweight fabrics like denim.
-
-
3
Use ball-point machine needles to sew knits or other stretchy fabrics. Their blunt edges allow the thread to pass between the fabric's fibers rather than through them. This is crucial for maintaining the fabric's elasticity.
-
4
Use wedge-point machine needles to sew leathers, suedes and vinyls. The shape of this needle will create a slit (rather than a large hole) through which the thread will pass.
-
5
Change your needle at the start of each project. A worn or damaged needle will cause skipped or uneven stitches and may damage your fabric.
-
6
Purchase a package of assorted needle sizes if you are unsure which is appropriate for your fabric.
-
7
Test the various sizes on some scrap fabric until you determine the correct size to use.
-
8
Check the label on the needle package before you make a purchase. For most brands, there will be a sizing guide that will tell you which fabrics can be sewn with the enclosed needles.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Refer to your sewing machine manual to determine which needles are compatible with your machine model.
Write down the make and model of your sewing machine and take this information with you when you purchase needles. That way you'll be able to check for needle compatibility.
Know that both ball-point and wedge-point needles are sized in the same manner as the standard variety - the higher the size number, the larger the needle.
Use sewing machine needles for most sergers. Check your serger manual, however, to make sure that a special needle is not required.
More Like This
Comments
View all 6 Comments-
kendriga
Nov 24, 2010
Does anyone have suggestions on what is the best size and brand needle for machine quilting and fabric piecing? -
skoshr
Apr 02, 2008
It was mentioned to prevent stitches from skipping you must use the smallest needle possible. you should never use a needle smaller that size 10. Usually a standard size 12 works fine on sheer fabrics. the skipping of stitches can be caused by many things. A dull needle, a bent needle, a needle that is too small for the thread, or improper machine "hook to needle" timing. Remember, the smaller the needle- the smaller the needle eye. If the needle eye is too small for the thread to easily pass through, it will cause the thread to build up and break, and or the needle to pull into the needle plate and break. If it's not the needle or thread causing skipping your machine likely needs a timing adjustment. Find a reputable s/m mechanic who won't charge you too much for this relatively simple procedure. Preferably one who sells your brand of sewing machine. As far as using cheap needles; It
-
Jul 01, 2006
To prevent stitches from skipping on sheer material, you need to use the smallest needle possible. If this still does not help, as i find it doesn't sometimes, you can place newspaper to the bottom side of the material and sew as normal. The newspaper will get sewn to the material at the same time, and when finished you can just rip the paper off. If pieces still remain, you can soak the material until the newspaper goes soggy and it will pull off easily. Put the material out to dry and thoroughly shake off any remaining pieces when material is dry.
-
Jul 01, 2006
To prevent stitches from skipping on sheer material, you need to use the smallest needle possible. If this still does not help, as i find it doesn't sometimes, you can place newspaper to the bottom side of the material and sew as normal. The newspaper will get sewn to the material at the same time, and when finished you can just rip the paper off. If pieces still remain, you can soak the material until the newspaper goes soggy and it will pull off easily. Put the material out to dry and thoroughly shake off any remaining pieces when material is dry.
-
Jun 30, 2006
Cheap needles are not a bargain, they don't hold up, may not have a good point, and are subject to breaking. Cheap needles are often the cause of skipped stitches. Schmetz and Organ are two brands of needles that are good to use.
