When it comes to sewing machines, their needles are incredibly important components. Many sewists are intrigued by the idea that all sewing machine needles may be universally used in all machines. To answer this question, one needs to take a closer look at needle sizes, designs, and materials. Subsequently, this article will explore the differences between sewing machine needles, so as to understand if they are universal or not.
It is important to keep in mind that the size of the needle is an essential factor when trying to determine if the needle can be universally used. Across most modern machines, needles are divided into two different size ranges: metric and imperial. The imperial range is divided into three sizes, and the needle is typically marked with a number like 9, 11, or 14. The metric range uses numbers from 60 to 120, and needles are marked with a millimetre size.
It is important to note that the choice of sewing machine needle ultimately depends on the type and weight of fabric being used. For example, when sewing with a lightweight fabric a smaller size needle should be selected. Similarly, a thick fabric would require a coarser needle. Furthermore, choosing the right needle and number size is essential to obtaining a quality stitch. If the wrong needle is used, it can cause damage to the fabric and the machine.
When it comes to the design of the needle, this is also a crucial factor to consider. Needles can be distinguished by their point and shape, which is mainly based on the type of fabric. For so-called ‘ballpoint’ needles, they are rounded at the tip, which is suitable for stretch and knit fabrics, as well as for hemming knits. ‘Sharp’ needles have a slightly rounded tip with no ballpoint and is ideal for woven and standard fabrics. Lastly, ‘universal’ needles work good for both woven and knits.
Apart from size and design, the material of the needle is also important as some fabrics require specific materials. For instance, most needles are either made from high-carbon steel or stainless steel. High-carbon steel needles are sturdy and maintain their sharpness longer; however, they can corrode or rust quickly. Meanwhile, stainless steel needles are more rust-resistant, though they may not last as long as their high-carbon counterparts. In the end, the specific material used may depend on the type of sewing machine and the fabric type.
Additional Considerations
In addition to size, design, and material, there are other interesting considerations when it comes to sewing machine needles. One of such considerations is the eye of the needle. Mid- and high-end machines have a larger needle bar that requires a deep groove eye design of the needle. In contrast, lower end machines have a smaller needle bar and require a shallow eye design.
Another factor to consider is the length of the needle. There are long-shank needles with a shank length of 12 millimetres, ideal for thicker projects such as quilting, heavy home-dec fabrics, and denim. They are typically used with most of today’s heavier fabrics and on thicker layers. Additionally, shorter needles can be used with covered buttons, heavy-duty embroidery and topstitching.
Are Sewing Machine Needles Universal?
To answer this question, it really comes down to understanding the type of fabric, size, design, material, eye and length of the needle. With all of these factors taken into consideration, it is highly unlikely that one needle can be universally used in all machines. Moreover, it may not even be possible to find the perfect needle that meets all of these requirements.
Therefore, when selecting a sewing machine needle, it is important to keep these considerations in mind. Below is a handy guide that can be used as a reference when selecting a needle:
- The type and weight of fabric will dictate needle size.
- Point and shape of the needle is selected based on the type of fabric.
- Needles are made from either high-carbon steel or stainless steel depending on the type of machine and fabric.
- The eye of the needle should be in accordance with the size of the needle bar of the machine.
- Long-shank needles are used for thicker projects such as quilting, heavy home-dec fabrics, and denim.
- Shorter needles are used for covered buttons, heavy-duty embroidery and topstitching.
Buying Sewing Machine Needles
Due to the many factors that determine the type of needle required for a specific project, purchasing the right needle can be complicated. To make the selection process easier, modern sewing and craft stores have specific sewing machine needles for different machines and fabrics.
Moreover, there are many online stores and websites that tackle the intricate selection process. With such stores, the customers are able to choose the exact type and size of needle that they need for their project. Many websites also provide detailed descriptions and helpful guidance when selecting the right needle.
Storage Of Sewing Machine Needles
The life of a sewing needle is determined by its care and maintenance. Therefore, it is important to store a sewing needle in the right way, to prevent damage and keep it in the best condition. In order to maintain the quality of the needle, sewists should always keep their needles in their original packaging or in a needle case.
Needle cases are an ideal way to store needles and protect them from dust, humidity and dirt. Moreover, storing sewing machine needles in a case offers additional protection from physical damage. All in all, storing the needle in the right way is essential for extending its life.
Advice From Professionals
To get a better understanding of the topic of sewing machine needles, it is beneficial to seek advice from professionals. Experts say that it is vital to choose the right needle for the machine and fabric type. They recommend that sewists do their research beforehand and select a needle that is suitable for their specific sewing project. Similarly, they suggest that sewists inspect the needle before each use, as it is important to ensure that the needle point is still sharp and the shank is not compromised in any way.
Sharpening Sewing Machine Needles
With time, sewing machine needles tend to become blunt, causing poor stitch quality. Hence, the needle will need to be sharpened if the desired results are to be achieved. One of the most efficient way to sharpen a fading needle is to use sharpening stones. These tools are similar to small stones that can be used to sharpen needles and other sewing essentials.
In addition to sharpening stones, there are other needle sharpening tools that can be used. Sheep clippers, for example, are spot-on for getting the dull edge of a needle sharpened quickly and efficiently. Likewise, diamond sharpeners are also handy for sharpening sewing needles with ease. As always, it is important to take the necessary precautions when it comes to safety.
When To Change Sewing Machine Needles
With the proper care and maintenance, sewing machine needles can last for a lengthy period of time. It is important to note that a needle should be changed every 8 to 10 hours of using the machine. Moreover, if the fabric is particularly abrasive, like denim or canvas, the needle should be changed more often.
In conclusion, sewing machine needles come in various shapes, sizes and materials, which makes it unlikely that they are universal to all machines. Moreover, with all the factors to take into account when selecting a needle, sewists need to have a good understanding of their project and the fabric they are using.
