Sewing machine needles may range from just a few pennies to hundreds of dollars for a single needle depending on the type, size, and brand. The material of the needle, the size, and the use can all contribute to the cost. The majority of sewing enthusiasts understand that the quality of a needle is an important part of the craft and often results in a better outcome – and a higher price tag. Knowing what type of needle is right for a job can be the difference between a good project and a great one.
Typically, needles come in three types of material: steel, titanium, and chrome. Steel needles are the inexpensive option and are mostly used for general stitching. Titanium needles come highly recommended due to their hard-wearing properties, while chrome-coated needles have a special coating which helps to reduce burring and pucker when stitching through more delicate fabrics like silk. For heavier fabrics such as canvas, denim and leather, needles with a larger eye are required.
Sewing needles come in a variety of sizes which often makes it difficult to determine which is the correct needle for a given job. Generally speaking, the smaller the needle size number, the finer the needle and vice versa. A size 8 for example would generally be used for heavier fabrics, while a size 12 is suitable for more delicate fabrics such as silk. It’s always wise to consult the manufacturer’s guidelines before purchasing a needle as every machine has a selection of compatible needle sizes.
Another factor to consider when deciding on a needle is the type of point. Different types of fabric require different types of points. For example, fine fabrics and silk require a sharp or very sharp point, while knit fabrics need a ballpoint or jersey point which will slip between the fibres instead of tearing them. It is worth noting that the wrong type of point may not only damage the fabric, but can also damage the machine itself.
When it comes to cost, brands, and quality, sewing needle prices can vary greatly. The most cost-effective route to go is to purchase a variety pack, which usually contains several more needles than you may require, but is still a good way to acquire a sample of what the different types and sizes of needles look like and how they will perform. To get the best results, it is wise to invest in high-quality needles from a reputable manufacturer such as Singer or Klasse.
Needle Selection
It takes a little practice to become familiar with different types of needles and seams, especially when working with delicate fabrics. When choosing the correct needle for a project, the size of the needle eye should always be given due consideration. If the eye is too big, the thread may slip or fray and if it is too small, the thread will be too hard to pull through.
The needle shank should be straight and not have any grooves or nicks. If the shank is bent, this can cause the needle to jam in the bobbin, which can cause the machine to skip stitches. It is also important to check the shape of the point before threading the needle. If the point is chipped, it can cause thread to break, resulting in skipped stitches.
The size, material and type of the needle should all be taken into account to ensure that the correct type is used for a given project. If the wrong needle is used, not only could it damage the fabric, thread, or machine, it can also weaken the seams which may result in them becoming unravelled.
Needle Maintenance
Properly maintained sewing machine needles will last longer and make sewing easier. Once a needle is used, it should be disposed of or replaced. Needles should be replaced after eight to twelve hours of use, even if they are not showing any signs of wear. They should also be changed for each new fabric used, to ensure that the differences in texture and thread weight are taken into consideration.
In addition, needles should always be checked before each use to make sure that they are in good working condition. A needle should be discarded if there are any visible signs of wear or if it is bent, chipped or rusty. Store needles away from direct sunlight, dust, and heat as these can all cause them to break prematurely.
Sewing Machine Needles Quality Standards
Most needles manufactured today follow the European Norm standards or EN. These standards are set by a world-recognised governing body, and ensure that all needles meet a certain level of quality, shape and size. When selecting needles, be sure to look for the EN symbol to ensure that you are buying a product that meets the necessary quality requirements
It is possible to find needles to suite almost any sewing machine or fabric, however, the range and types of needles available can be quite bewildering. This is why it is important to do your research and become familiar with the different sizes, types and brands before making a purchase. This will help to ensure that the correct needle is chosen for the job at hand.
Needles Cost
Price is an important factor when it comes to sewing machine needles and it does play an essential role when it comes to purchasing. However, it is important to bear in mind that most needles are fairly inexpensive and it is worth investing a little bit extra in higher quality needles. Low-quality needles may cost less in the short-term, but can cause more problems by not lasting as long and being prone to breakage.
It can also be wise to purchase needles in bulk, as this can be much more cost-effective as opposed to buying packs of needles as and when needed. By purchasing needles in bulk, a sewing enthusiast can not only save money but also have a greater selection of needles to choose from when starting a project.
Needle Storage
The best way to store needles is in a designated needle case, as this will keep them safe, organised, and easy to find when needed. Sharps and balls points should be kept separately to reduce the chance of damaging the needles, as the shapes of the tips are slightly different.
It is also important to store them in a cool, dry place away from magnetic fields, as this can affect the performance of the machine. Dust and dirt should also be avoided, as this can cause the needles to become clogged or even break down. Cleaning any needles before use is also essential to ensure that no fabric fibres or lint is present.
Summary
Sewing machine needles are a crucial component in every sewing project and need to be chosen carefully. Understanding what type of needle to use for each fabric as well as the size, material, and point is key when it comes to successfully completing a project. It is also important to remember to clean and store the needles correctly, to maintain their quality and lifetime.
