What is Needle in Sewing Machine?
A needle is the most important part of a sewing machine. It is the device used to penetrate fabric and propel the thread through the fabric. Needles have a long, slender, tubular shank with a pointed tip. The upper end of the needle is slightly thicker, called the shaft, and is designed to fit into the needle clamp of the machine. There are a variety of sizes, types, and shapes of needles that are used with different fabrics and thread textures.
Materials of Needle Construction
Needles are made of various materials, including steel, titanium, and carbon. The type of material used in the construction of the needle determines the type of needle and the type of fabric it can be used on. Needles made of steel are hard and can easily penetrate the fabric, while titanium needles are softer and better suited for lightweight fabric. Carbon needles are more malleable and less rigid.
Types of Sewing Machine Needles
The two primary categories of needles are universal and specialty needles. Universal needles can be used for most types of lighter fabrics, including silk and linen. When using heavier fabric, such as denim, a specialty needle is recommended. Specialty needles are designed for specific fabric types and styles, such as jeans or lycra, and include a wedge shape at the end of the needle for creating a zigzag stitch or for sewing over thicker fabrics.
Understanding the Needle System
Purchasing a needle for a sewing machine can be confusing if the user does not understand the numbering system used to describe needles. Generally, the numbering system consists of two numbers separated by a slash. The number before the slash is the size of the needle and the number after the slash is the gauge, or thickness, of the needle. For instance, a 14/90 needle has a size 14 needle and a gauge of 90.
Tips for Needle Selection and Use
It is important to choose the correct type of needle for each sewing project to ensure the best results. Generally, it is recommended to use a medium-weight needle for most projects. Thicker threads require larger needles and thinner threads require smaller needles. When piercing the fabric, do not force the needle into the fabric, as this can cause the needle to break.
Factors Impact Needle Performance
Generally, needle condition can affect the performance of the sewing machine. If the fabric is overly tight or if the needle is too small for the fabrics, it can cause the needle to break. Also, it is important to use a needle of the right size and shape for the fabric and thread. Improper needle selection can lead to thread breakage, skipped stitches, and improperly formed stitches.
Proper Care and Maintenance
It is important to take proper care of the needle to ensure it lasts. Always unplug the sewing machine before replacing the needle. When inserting the needle, insert the shank of the needle through the needle clamp and tighten the screw, making sure that the flat side of the needle is facing toward the back. For proper care, it is recommended to use the same needle for multiple projects instead of changing needles often.
Changing Thread and Needle for Different Projects
When working on a different project, it is always a good idea to change the thread and needle. This will help to make sure that the thread and needle are the right size and type for the fabric. It is important to test the tension of the stitch to make sure it is not too loose or too tight. Make sure that the threads in both the bobbin and the needle are of the same color and thickness.
Integrating Needle and Thread Choice with Fabric
When sewing a project, it is important to choose the right needle and thread size for the fabric. A good rule of thumb is that thicker fabrics require a larger needle and heavier thread to penetrate the fabric. Using a needle that is too small can cause skipped stitches and the fabric to pull together. A thread that is too heavy can result in distorted stitches that do not lie flat.
Identify Needle Compatibility and Thread Weights
It is important to understand which needle and thread types and sizes are compatible with the fabric. Many sewing machines come with a needle chart that outlines the suitable needle types and sizes for the fabric. For thread weights, make sure the thread is compatible with the needle size. Heavy thread requires a larger needle such as a 100/16, while a lighter thread requires a smaller needle such as a 60/8.
Selecting Needles Which are Suitable for Automation
In automated sewing processes, the needle must be selected carefully. Non-standard needles can cause the fabric to jam or become tangled in the machine. For commercial sewing machines, a special needle must be used in order to achieve the most efficient results. The needle used must be compatible with the thread and type of fabric in order to ensure the machine runs smoothly.
