Understanding Sewing Machine Needle Sizes
Sewing machine needles are integral to a wide range of sewing projects, so it is important to understand how to read the needle sizes correctly. Each sewing machine needle has two key indents and measurements: its needle size and type. On the shank of a needle, which is the upper part, there are two numbers or symbols. The bigger number or symbol on the shank is the needle size.
The European System of Numbers
The needle size is either given in metric (millimetres) or as part of the European system of numbering. The European system of numbers is a numbering system which consists of two numbers. The first of the two numbers indicates its diameter and is listed as either 60, 70, 80 or 90. The second number indicates the needle’s length, presented as 12, 14, 16, 18 and so on.
Needle Types
The needle type symbol is the second of the numbers or symbols located on the shank of the sewing machine needle. These symbols indicate the type of fabric for which the needle is designed to sew. The most common type of needle symbol is the letter “U”, which is short for “universal” and designed for a variety of fabrics. Other type symbols include ‘N’ which stands for a sharp needle and best used on natural and fine fabrics such as silk and cotton, ‘H’ stands for a heavy needle, intended for heavy weight fabrics such as denim and quilting. ‘G’ stands for Leather Needle, and is designed for specialty fabrics such as leather and plastics.
Choosing The Right Needle
When selecting a needle for a particular project, it is important to choose the correct size. The correct needle size depends on the fabric weight, while the type of needle should be based on the fibers that make up the fabric you are using. If a wrong sized or type of needle is used, it could cause damage to your fabric as it passes through the machine. It is also recommended to keep a regular supply of various sizes and types of needles as it is often necessary to switch out needles during the course of a project.
Environmental Impact of Sewing Machine Needles
On the other hand, it is important to be aware of the impact of the needle manufacturing process on the environment. It is estimated that if the global garment and textile industry aims for sustainability, the amount of carbon dioxide going into the climate could be reduced from 3% from 33%. The processes related to making sewing machine needles also have a significant impact on waste management, as the recycling of needles is an important factor to consider.
Managing Broken Needles
When replacing a needle, it is important to know how to handle it properly. The first step is to switch off the machine before replacing a needle and unplug the machine from the electric socket. Then use your thumb and forefinger to move it down, so that the needle is not pointing up, as it can present a risk of causing a puncture wound, as well as damaging the machine. Finally, make sure to place the broken needle in a safe place, away from children and animals, so that it can be disposed of properly.
Caring For Sewing Machine Needles
After replacing a needle, there are several steps you can take to ensure that it lasts longer and performs better. Firstly, it is important to store your needles in their original packaging, as this keeps the needle point sharp and prevents it from becoming bent or damaged. Furthermore, when sewing, make sure to lower the pressure on the presser foot to better protect the needle point. Finally, it is always recommended to unplug the machine when not in use, as this helps to reduce the risk of damage to the needle through continuous vibration from being turned on.
Advanced Usage Of Sewing Machine Needles
Advanced sewing techniques often involve the use of more specialized needles with different strengths, compositions and shapes. Presser feet with larger openings can support the use of thicker needles made of special materials such as titanium, for better strength and wear resistance. Sergers tend to require thinner needles, often ELx705 or ELx707, as they are better suited for making higher quality seams on stretch fabrics.
Types Of Specialty Sewing Machine Needles
In addition to the standard “U” needles that are used for general sewing purposes, there a number of specialty needles that can be used for intricate projects. Balloon needles are ideal for hemming woven fabrics and blind stitches corners, while ballpoint needles are perfect for stitching knits and stretch fabrics without damaging the fibers of the fabric. Moreover, there are also quilting and embroidery needles, and other specialized needles for special purposes, such as topstitching, leather and denim fabrics.
Conclusion
To summarize, it is crucial to understand the different numbering systems used for sewing machine needles, as these can vary from country to country. Furthermore, understanding the different types of needles and their characteristics is important for correctly selecting the right needle for a particular project. Additionally, it is important to pay special attention to the care and disposal of needles to avoid injuries and reduce the impact on the environment. Finally, more advanced techniques often require the use of more specialized needles, so be sure to do research first to determine which type of needle is best suited for the fabric and project being worked on.
