Sewing machines are a must-have for many fashion enthusiasts and crafters alike. From skirts to bags, coats and dresses, and a whole lot more, there is a need for a reliable needle that won’t damage the fabric or break apart at the wrong time. So if you’re planning on getting a sewing machine, here’s how to choose a needle for it.
The first step to consider when choosing a needle for your sewing machine is to know its type. Does it use traditional needles or does it use a single needle system, such as an overlocker machine or an embroidery machine? Because different machines work differently, selecting the right needle is important. Generally speaking, all machine needles are made from high-carbon steel with a sharp point, but they come in different varieties, such as regular point, ball point, microtex, and stretch needles.
Another thing to consider is the size or type of the needle. Choose the right size and type of the needle that is compatible with the fabric you are using. The thicker the fabric, the bigger the needle size needs to be. For example, if you are using a thick fabric such as denim, then you should use a larger size needle such as 15 or 16. On the other hand, for light fabric such as silk or chiffon, then you should use a smaller needle such as size 11 or 12. The size number usually appears on the package, so make sure to check it before getting it.
When looking for your needles, pay attention to their shape as well. There are round shape and flat shape needles available, but the choice depends on the type of stitches you want to make. Sewers usually use the round shape needle for most regular stitches and the flat shape needle for decorative stitches. In some cases, they also use the twin needle for making a double row of stitches. It is important to note that the size of the needle influences its shape as well, so make sure to select the right size and type before buying it.
What is more, choosing the right type of needle for your sewing machine is also important for the overall performance of your machine. If the wrong type of needle is used, it can cause various problems such as thread breakage, skipped stitches, damage to the fabric, and more. It is therefore essential to take the necessary precautions and get the right kind of needle. Consider your fabrics, the type of stitches you will be making, and the machine’s performance to make the right decision.
Before purchasing the needle, you should also make sure to inspect it. Look for any signs of discoloration or visible damage, as this could indicate that the needle is damaged. You should also feel the needle before buying it, as a good quality needle should be smooth and well finished. Another thing to look out for is its position. Check if the needle is placed vertically or horizontally to make sure it will fit in your machine properly.
Once you find the needle that fits your needs, make sure that you replace it regularly. Usually, you should replace the needle after 8 hours of use. This will ensure that your machine is running smoothly and producing the best results for your projects. Finally, it is recommended to store the needle in its original packaging when not in use.
Getting to Know Needle Variations
Needles come in a variety of types and sizes, so it’s important for sewers to understand what types work for different fabrics and projects. Here’s an example of some of the most common variations.
Regular point needles are the most common type used for everyday sewing needs, and they come in sizes ranging from 8 to 18. These needles have a sharp, slightly curved tip which penetrates even woven fabrics easily. Ball point needles are slightly less pointy than regular points, and they have a more rounded tip. This type of needle is best for an even stitch pattern when sewing on knit fabrics. Microtex needles have a very sharp and slim tip and are great for detailed work such as top-stitching and quilting. Finally, the stretch needles are designed for sewing spandex and other stretchy fabrics because of their slightly rounded point that prevents snags.
Choosing the Right and Recommended Threads
The next step in choosing a needle for your sewing machine is selecting the right and recommended threads. Different fabrics require different thread types, so it’s important to understand which types work best with the fabrics you’re using. The best threads for general sewing and mending are cotton, polyester, or a blend of the two. Cotton threads are great for lightweight fabrics such as chiffon and silk, while polyester threads are better for heavier fabrics such as denim, corduroy, and velvet.
It’s also important to consider the thread weight when selecting the right thread for your project. Thread weight is measured by the number of strands in the thread, and is usually stated in the package. For example, size 40 is a heavier thread than size 30, so if you’re looking for a stronger stitch, you may want to opt for a size 40 thread. Also, the heavier the thread, the larger the needle size should be.
Taking Special Care when Threading
When threading your sewing machine, it is important to take special care to ensure that the needle and thread are in the right position. Before threading, make sure to double-check the needle size and thread weight that is recommended for the fabric and project you are going to use. Also, when threading the machine, take care to ensure that the needle is completely in the threading guide and that the thread is not tangled or twisted.
When threading the needle, make sure the thread is inserted properly and held taut, as this will help to prevent any snagging on the fabric. Also, when threading the needle, make sure to leave some slack in the thread, as this will help to provide a better tension when sewing. Once the thread is properly threaded, you can begin to set the machine’s tension.
Checking Sewing Machine Tension
After the needle and thread are properly set, the next step is to check the sewing machine tension. This is important to ensure that the stitch is even and there are no skipped stitches or damage to the fabric. To set the sewing machine tension correctly, start by setting the tension dial to the middle setting or to the recommended setting for the fabric and thread you are using.
Next, you can begin to adjust the tension. To do this, lower the needle slightly below the fabric, then raise it back up. If the thread is too tight, the needle will struggle to move, if it is too loose, the thread will be loose around the needle. If the tension is correct, the thread should move freely on the needle. Adjust the tension as needed until you achieve the desired tension.
Once the sewing machine tension is set, you can begin sewing with the right needle and thread. This will ultimately ensure that your projects have professional looking results, since the right needle and thread can make a big difference.
Choosing the Right Needle for Quilting
When quilting, it is important to use the right types of needle and thread. Quilting needles are longer than regular needles and have a sharp tip to penetrate through the upper fabric, batting, and backing fabric easily. The size of the needle depends on the types of fabric you’re quilting and the thread you’re using. Generally, a size 70/10 or 75/11 is recommended for general quilting, but you may need to adjust the size depending on the fabrics and the threads.
For thread, the best choice for quilting is usually an all-purpose polyester or cotton thread as these threads are stronger than other types of thread and remain in place better. When selecting a thread, it’s also important to consider the colour and choose a colour that best suits the fabric and project. Finally, the recommended needle and thread combination should be tested on a few scraps of the fabric before quilting the entire project to make sure it works.
What is the Best Needle for Embroidery?
When it comes to embroidery, the best choice of needle is a sharp, fine point (also known as a sharps needle). These needles feature a slender, sharp point which helps to ensure that the fabric and thread move smoothly. Embroidery needles come in sizes ranging from 60/8 to 100/16, with the larger needles being designed for more heavy-duty tasks such as monogramming or heavy fabrics.
The type of thread is also important when it comes to embroidery work. Cotton and polyester embroidery threads are usually the best choice for most projects, as these threads can withstand the repetitive stitching motions of an embroidery machine. If possible, test a few different threads to find the one that works best for your project.
Good Habits when Sewing
Finally, it is important to keep in mind certain habits when sewing that will help the process and result of the project. These include such things as changing the needle regularly, using the right thread and needle size, using the right type of fabric, and checking the tension regularly. Additionally, it is important to use the right presser foot. This is the part of the machine which holds the fabric in place while sewing and provides extra control when stitching. Depending on the type of fabric you’re sewing, different types of presser feet may be necessary. Overall, following good habits when sewing can help to ensure that each project is completed successfully.
