Selecting
Needle
and
Fabric
For general sewing, use needle sizes 11 or 14. A fine thread and needle should be
used for sewing lightweight fabrics, so the fabric will not be marred. Heavy fabrics
require a needle large enough to pierce the fabric without fraying the needle thread.
In the needle set, there is one each of sizes 11, 14, 16, and 18, and a blue needle.
Use the blue needle to eliminate skipped stitches when sewing knits and synthetic
fabrics.
Special needles should be used on certain fabrics. A denim needle with a sharp tip
effectively pierces dense fabrics such as denim and canvas. For topstitching, a
special topstitching needle with a larger eye, accommodates
heavier weight thread.
Leather needles punch small holes in leather and suede, allowing the thread to
follow through the hole.
Check your needles frequently for rough or blunt tips. Snags and runs in knits, fine
silks and silk-like fabrics are permanent, and are often caused by damaged
needles.
Always purchase good quality thread. It should be strong, smooth and consistent in
its thickness.
WEIGHT
FABRIC
TYPE OF NEEDLE
NEEDLE
SIZE
Chiffon, Georgette,
Fine Lace, Organdy, Organdy
Universal
9 (65)
Very Light
Net, Tulle
Ball Point
9 (65)
Batiste, Voile, Lawn, Pure Silk, Crepe de Chine,
Orange
11 (75)
Sheer Crepe, Chambray, Handkerchief Linen,
Blue
11 (75)
Gingham, Challis, Percale, Wool Crepe, Peau de Soie,
12 (80)
Taffeta, Satin, Silk Surah, Satin-backed Crepe,
Light
Qiana
Blue
11 (75)
Single Knits, Jersey, Swimwear, Tricot
Ball Point
11 (75)
Leather, Suede
Wedge Point Leather
11 (75)
Flannel, Velour, Velvet, Muslin, Velveteen, Poplin,
Corduroy, Broadcloth, Linen, Chintz, Gabardine, Felt,
Red
14 (90)
Terry, Burlap, Quilted Fabrics
Medium
Double Knits, (synthetic and natural) Stretch
Velour,
Stretch Terry,
Ball Point
14 (90)
Sweater Knits
Leather, Vinyl, Suede
Wedge Point Leather
14 (90)
Denim, Sailcloth, Ticking
Denim
16 (100)
Double Faced Wool, Heavy Coating, Fake Fur,
Purple
16 (100)
Heavy
Drapery Fabrics
Leather, Suede
Wedge Point Leather
16 (100)
Canvas, Duck, Upholstery Fabrics
Green
18 (110)
11 (75)
All
Topstitching for Special Finish
Topstitching
14 (90)
14
