Needle Sizes
Sewing machine needles come in many sizes, from small to large and long to short, each size catering for a different purpose and type of fabric. Needles come in several thicknesses, ranging from Universal, to Jeans, to Microtex, to Embroidery needles and even high-tech Titanium needles, which provide longer use of the needle and stronger needle hole.
Needles come in various lengths from 0.8 mm and measurements up to 6.7 mm. Each size is designed to penetrate the fabric and deposit the thread efficiently. To understand the needle length, the measurement is taken from the part of the needle that penetrates the fabric to the eye of the needle. This allows the needle to go through the fabric specified and deposit the thread at the right tension.
Universal Needles
Universal needles are the most common type of needles used in everyday sewing. They are designed to suit most medium weight fabrics such as cotton, linen, silk, acetate and polyester. Universal needles come in sizes 9-14 and are used with most standard weights of thread and fabrics.
Jeans Needles
The Jeans needles are specifically designed for heavier fabrics such as denim, canvas and corduroy. It is best to use Jeans needles on heavy weight fabrics such as jeans, canvas, curtains and upholstery. They are thick and sharp which ensures the needle penetrates the fabric efficiently.
Microtex Needles
Microtex needles are extremely sharp and are the best for precision and other intricate tasks, such as quilting, detailed heirloom techniques, and working with lightweight, finely woven fabrics. The needles come in sizes 10-11 and 12-14 so they can be adapted to the specific fabric being used.
Embroidery Needles
Embroidery needles are larger than standard needles as they are designed to accommodate heavier thread. They also have a shorter and smaller diameter shank so they can penetrate through the fabric more quickly and easily. Embroidery needles come in sizes 75-90 and are ideal for stitching larger areas such as for a standard quilt or for a large embroidery project.
Titanium Needles
Titanium needles are the latest development in needles and are made of an extremely high-grade stainless steel needle. Titanium needles are able to penetrate the fabrics faster and with more precision than other needle types. They are also much more durable, meaning they last longer and can be used without the risk of breaking.
Selection of Needles
When selecting the correct needle size it’s important to take into account the fabric type, weight of the fabric, thread size and tension settings. To ensure the best results, it is imperative to choose the right size needle for the job.
The best way to do this is to experiment with a few different sizes and types of needles to find the one that works best for the fabric being used. This will ensure the fabric is being sewn properly and the stitches are looking neat and even.
Thread Tension
When selecting and using a needle, the thread tension also needs to be taken into consideration. The tension needs to be balanced in order for the fabric to be sewn correctly. If the thread tension is too high or too low, the fabric can become damaged and the stitches won’t be as straight and even.
Care and Maintenance
When sewing with a needle it is important to take the correct precautions. Needles should always be changed after every 8-10 hours of use to ensure they remain sharp, and to prevent the fabric from being damaged. Needles should also be stored away safely, away from heat and other dirt and debris.
Method of Use
When using a needle, it is important to ensure the correct technique is being used. The thread should be passed through the eye before being correctly inserted into the machine. The needle should also be inserted the correct way which is the flat or dull side should face away from the fabric.
Specific Purpose
The size and type of needle will depend on the specific task at hand. For example, for embroidery, a bigger needle will be used, whereas for quilting a thinner needle will be used for finer stitching. It is important to ensure the correct needle is being used for the fabric and thread being used.
Continuous Practice
When it comes to using a needle, practice and experience are key. Through practice, it is possible to understand the different sizes and types of needles available, as well as how to use them in different types of fabrics. With experience and practice, it will become easier to choose the right needle and achieve the best possible results when sewing.
