Sewing machine needles are an essential part of most sewing projects, and understanding how they are numbered is essential to ensure success with your sewing projects. Sewing machine needles are numbered self-explanatorily – in terms of their size, shape and point. The size of the needle is indicated by the first number and the second number indicates the shape of the point.
The most popular size of sewing machine needles is size 70/10. This number indicates the gauge of the needle, which is an indication of the needle’s diameter. The 70/10 needle has a diameter of 0.9mm. This size is ideal for most fabrics including cotton, linen and lightweight silks. It is also the size that is recommended for use in most sewing machine manufacturers’ owner manuals.
The second number in the needle’s size is used to indicate the point shape. This is usually either a 0 or a 1. A 0 indicates a sharp point, which is ideal for lightweight fabrics, whereas a 1 indicates a round or ball point that is ideal for heavier fabrics. The round or ball point prevents the fabric from ripping or shredding when it is pushed through the material. Sewing machine needles can come in other sizes such as 80/12 or 90/14, but these are typically used for heavier fabrics.
Understanding the size and shape of your needle can also help you determine the right needle for the fabric you are working with. Needles are typically made from stainless steel or aluminum and each material performs differently on different fabrics. Stainless steel needles are better at piercing through fabrics while aluminum needles are better suited for more delicate fabrics.
It is important to note that sewing machine needles should be changed frequently, even when they appear to be in good condition. Needles can become dull and bent over time, affecting the efficiency of the machine and the quality of the stitches. It’s also important to use the correct needle for the specific fabric you are working with in order to ensure the best results. Depending on the type of fabric you are using, you may need to use a different size or shape of needle than the one recommended by the manufacturer.
Different Types of Sewing Machine Needles
Sewing machine needles come in a variety of types, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common needles are universal, stretch, and denim needles. Universal needles are ideal for most fabrics and are usually the go-to needle for most sewing projects. Stretch needles are designed to penetrate elastic fabrics more easily, while denim needles feature a more robust point, making them better suited for thicker fabrics.
Additionally, there are specialty needles such as quilting, embroidery, topstitch and microtex needles. Quilting needles are designed to penetrate through thick layers of fabric, while embroidery needles feature a larger eyelet that can accommodate thicker threads. Topstitch needles have a larger, sharper point and are ideal for topstitching and decorative stitching, while microtex needles feature a very sharp point that is ideal for piercing through synthetic fabrics and lightweight leathers.
Choosing the Right Sewing Machine Needle
Choosing the right needle for your project can make a big difference in the quality of the finished product. When selecting a needle, it’s important to consider the fabric, thread and stitch length you will be using. For heavier fabrics, a larger needle size such as 90/14 may be necessary. Additionally, a larger needle is needed for thicker threads, while a smaller needle should be used for finer threads and smaller stitches.
It’s also important to be aware of the types of fabrics you are working with and the type of needle that is best suited for them. For instance, Stretch needles are ideal for working with elastic fabrics and Microtex needles for synthetic fabrics. Denim needles are best for thick fabrics such as denim and canvas.
Extending The Life Of Your Needle
Sewing machine needles should be changed whenever there is a change in fabric or thread types and after 10 hours of use. Additionally, needles should be replaced whenever they become dull or bent as this can affect the efficiency of the machine and the quality of the stitches. It is also important to remember that the more you use the same needle, the more likely it is to wear out.
Furthermore, it is a good practice to use a needle threader when threading the needle, as it prevents the thread from pushing against the needle and potentially causing it to bend. Additionally, needles should be stored in a case so they remain sharp and protected from heat and humidity.
Improper Needle Maintenance
As important as it is to replace needles regularly and make sure they are stored in the correct manner, it is also vital to ensure that the needle is cleaned and maintained correctly. Sewing machine needles should not be wiped with cloth or paper, as these can damage the delicate fine points of the needle. Instead, the needle should be lightly oiled and then wiped with a soft cloth to prevent rusting.
Furthermore, needles should never be bent as this can cause damage to the needle and affect the quality of the stitches. Additionally, it is important to be careful when handling needles, as even slight bends can interfere with the operation of the machine and potentially damage the fabric.
Conclusion
Understanding how sewing machine needles are numbered is essential in order to choose the right size, shape, and point for the project at hand. It is important to note that needles should be changed frequently, even when they appear to be in good condition and should be cleaned and oiled regularly. Additionally, different types of needles should be used depending on the type of fabric being used and special care should be taken to ensure that needles are not damaged or bent while handling.
