Materials and Types
Sewing needles come in a variety of materials, so it is important to select the right material for the project for consideration. Generally, needles made from metals such as stainless steel or nickel plated steel are the most popular among sewers. Steel needles are relatively inexpensive, strong, and tend to pierce the fabric easily. They are available in various sizes, so they can accommodate different types of fabric. If a project requires a delicate touch, needles made from synthetic materials such as plastic and nylon can also be used. These types of needles are more lightweight and tend to be gentler on the fabric.
Uses
The size of the needle plays an important role in determining which type of fabric and thread are best to use. Smaller needles are perfect for creating detailed embroidery, while larger needles are better suited for handling thicker materials such as canvas and denim. Even among the larger sizes, there are many variations, so depending on what type of project is being undertaken, the size of the needle can be tailored to the task.
The size of the needle is also dependent on the type of thread being used. For instance, thick threads require larger needles for optimal performance. This is important to keep in mind if you are working on a project that involves both thin and thick threads.
Eyelet Needles
Eyelet needles are specifically designed for creating eyelets for lacing applications. They are available in many sizes, and the size of the needle should correspond to the size of the eyelet being created. Generally, the thicker the fabric, the larger the needle will need to be.
Beading Needles
Beading needles are one of the smallest types of needles used in sewing. They are specially designed to accommodate the finer details of beading and make it easier to handle fragile materials. They typically range in size from 10 to a 16 and are available in various lengths.
Chenille Needles
Chenille needles are another type of needle specifically designed to handle thick, tightly woven fabrics. They are typically larger in size than other needles, and are available in sizes ranging from 13 to 18. The larger size ensures that the needle will be able to penetrate the fabric, which is often the case when working with thicker materials.
Quilting Needles
Quilting needles are specially designed for working with quilting fabrics and threads. They are typically short in size and range from 8 to 10. The shorter length of the needle helps to prevent the fabric from getting poked or damaged as the needle moves through it.
Upholstery Needles
Upholstery needles are designed specifically for working with heavy-duty fabrics such as canvas and leather. They are available in a variety of sizes, and range from 15 to 20. The larger size of the needle ensures that it will be able to penetrate thick, heavy fabrics such as denim and canvas.
Leather Needles
Leather needles are specially designed for sewing leather and other dense fabrics. They have a round point and a sharp tip, and are available in various sizes ranging from 14 to 18. The larger size of the needle ensures that it will be able to penetrate leather, which is often quite thick and difficult to pierce.
Tapestry Needles
Tapestry needles are shorter and thicker than most needles, and are specifically designed for working with tapestries and heavier threads. They are available in various sizes, ranging from 18 to 24. The larger size of the needle helps to ensure that it can punch through thick materials such as canvas and denim.
Topstitch Needles
Topstitch needles are designed to handle heavier fabrics such as corduroy, denim, and canvas. They are available in two main sizes, ranging from 8 to 10. These needles also feature a very sharp point and a slightly rounded tip, which helps to facilitate a smoother sewing experience.
Denim Needles
Denim needles are specially designed for working with thick denims and other tough fabrics. They are long in size and range from sizes 16 to 18. The long length of the needle ensures that it can punch through tough fabrics such as denim and canvas.
Embroidery Needles
Embroidery needles are made of high quality metals, and they are specifically designed for use with embroidery and other intricate needlework. They are available in various sizes, and range from 9 to 15. The smaller size of the needles helps to ensure that the fabric can be pierced with ease, which is especially important when working with delicate embroidery tasks.
Crewel Needles
Crewel needles are designed for use with tightly woven fabrics such as canvas and velvet. They are typically stronger in size and range from sizes 6 to 10. The larger size of the needle allows it to penetrate thick fabrics such as canvas, and the small size enables it to handle delicate details such as threading.
Sharp Needles
Sharp needles are available in sizes ranging from 9 to 13, and they are specifically designed for use in embroidery and decorative stitching. They are made of higher quality metals and feature a very sharp point, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and stitch intricate details.
Betweens Needles
Betweens needles are available in sizes ranging from 8 to 10, and they are designed for embroidery, multi-directional stitching, and general hand quilting. Their fine gold plating helps to reduce friction and facilitate a smoother sewing experience.
Milliners Needles
Milliners needles are also known as milliner’s needles, and they are specifically designed for detailed embroidery and beadwork. They are available in many sizes, ranging from 8 to 14. The smaller size of the needle helps to ensure that delicate fabrics such as lace and tulle can be serviced without any damage.
Upholstery Tacks
Upholstery tacks are short needles that are designed for use with heavy-duty fabrics such as canvas and leather. They are available in sizes ranging from 14 to 19, and their short length helps to increase piercing power.
Twin Needles
Twin needles are two needles attached to the one shaft and are often used for decorative stitching and hemming. They are available in sizes ranging from 4 to 9, and their dual nature helps to facilitate smoother stitching and faster sewing.
