What is Sewing Machine Needle Size?
Sewing machine needles are essential tools for sewing projects, large or small. Sewing machine needles come in many sizes, from thin to extra large, and the needle size is essential for achieving quality results. Knowing how to find the size of your sewing machine needle is essential to any sewing project.
How to Get the Proper Size Sewing Machine Needle
Finding the right size needle for your project is important. Choosing the proper size needle can affect the quality of your stitching and the fabric used. To identify the size, look for the European or American needle designation on the needle packet or the machine. The size of the needle is indicated by two numbers; the first number is the metric size, and the second number is the American standard. For example, 70/10 is a 70 metric size needle and 10 American standard.
Before selecting the needle size, consider your fabric type. Heavier fabrics require a heavier needle to cope with the strain the thicker material creates. Thicker needles are identified by a lower number in the American standard size, for example, a size 70/10 needle. Thinner fabrics, such as chiffon, should use a smaller, sharper needle like a size 70/12.
Other Factors To Consider When Choosing Sewing Machine Needle Size
Other factors to consider when choosing a needle size include the thread size and the machine speed. Thinner threads will require a smaller needle, while thicker threads should be used with larger needles. Machines that are running at slower speeds should use small needle sizes, while machines running at higher speeds should use larger needle sizes.
Each machine may produce slightly different effects with different needle sizes, so it is important to test with fabric scraps before beginning a sewing project. Additionally, some machines are only compatible with certain needles, so it is important to research the machine and find out what type of needle to use.
How To Change A Sewing Machine Needle
Changing the sewing machine needle is simple, but it is important to remember to turn off and unplug the machine before inserting a new needle. Open the machine, then loosen the needle screw with the screwdriver to remove it. Insert the new needle so that the flat side of the needle is facing the back, and tighten the needle screw to keep it secure.
Caring For Sewing Machine Needles
To help ensure good results, it is important to regularly replace your needles between projects. Needles degrade with use, so they should not be used more than once. Always turn off and unplug the machine before removing the needle, and never force the needle screw into the needle slot. Sharps needles are an excellent variety for general sewing and should be used at least once a week, while a quilting needle should be used for sewing quilt layers.
Different Types of Sewing Machine Needles
Sewing machines needles come in various types, each designed for specific materials and fabrics. Common needles include the universal needle, sharp needles, ballpoint needles, topstitch needles, quilting needles, embroidery needles, leather needles, stretch needles, denim needles and twinfit needles. Universal needles are a good choice for general sewing, while sharp needles work well on woven fabrics. Ballpoint needles are best for knits and cotton fabrics. Topstitch needles are for decorative or heavy-duty stitching, and quilting needles are especially designed for quilting. Embroidery needles have a special eye shape, while a leather needle should be used with leather fabric.
Stretch needles are designed specifically for stretchy fabrics like Lycra. Denim needles have an extra-sharp point, while a twinfit needle can be used in all fabrics. When selecting the type of needle, ensure the needle is compatible with the material and the machine.
Tips For Sewing With Sewing Machine Needles
Before sewing, it is important to prepare the machine, fabric and thread correctly. Always check if the bobbin is correctly placed and if the machine is correctly threaded. Thread the machine with the same thread on top and bottom. Ensure the needle, bobbin and thread are correctly placed and the machine is at the tension setting for the fabric. Lastly, select the correct stitch for the project.
To avoid issues with the thread, keep the machine oiled and the bobbin clean. It is also important to know how to thread the machine properly. A good way to test the tension is to adjust one side of the thread slightly and test the stitch on a scrap of fabric. If the stitch looks balanced, the tension is correct.
When working with heavy fabrics, a walking foot can be a lifesaver. This is a presser foot that moves the top and bottom layers at the same time. It prevents the material from shifting and reduces damage to the fabric caused by the machine.
Common Issues with Sewing Machine Needles
Common issues with sewing machine needles are skipped stitches, skipped holes, thread breaks and machine jams. Skipped stitches and skipped holes can be caused by a blunt needle or a worn-out needle that is not compatible with the machine. To solve this issue, replace the needle with one of the correct size, type and point.
Thread breaks can be caused by inadequate tension, improper threading of the machine, a blunt needle or stitching a fabric that is too heavy for the needle. In this case, adjust the tension, check the threading and replace the needle.
If the machine is jamming, check that the needle and bobbin are correctly placed and lubricate the bobbin thread with a drop of sewing machine oil. If these measures do not solve the issue, check if the needle size is too large for the fabric. Replace the needle with a smaller size.
Conclusion
Sewing machine needles are an essential tool for any sewing project. To achieve quality results, it is important to select the correct size and type of needle for the fabric and machine. Understanding how to select the needle, how to change it and how to troubleshoot common issues is essential for successful sewing.
