Main Topic: What Needle do I Need for My Sewing Machine?
When it comes to sewing machines, needles aren’t something you want to take a gamble on. Different types of needles and fabrics require different needles, so choosing the right one is essential for a successful project. Matching the correct needle to your sewing machine and the fabric you are sewing can make all the difference between a successful and failed sewing project.
The first thing you need to be aware of when it comes to needles is their size. Sewing machine needles are graded from sizes 9-18, with the size 9 being the smallest and 18 being the largest. The size of needle you need will depend on the type of fabric you are working with. For example, lightweight fabrics are generally better suited to smaller needles, such as sizes 9-12, whilst heavier fabrics generally require larger needles such as sizes 16-18.
In addition to size, needles come in various types, designed for a variety of different projects. Universal needles are the most versatile and are suitable for a wide range of fabrics. Ballpoint needles are designed to sew knit fabric without damaging it; whilst denim needles are specifically designed for and should be used with denim fabric. The most commonly used needle is the sharp point needle, which is designed for sewing most types of woven fabrics.
When selecting a needle, you also need to take into account the type of thread you are using. Generally, lightweight threads are best suited to lightweight needles, whilst heavier threads will require a heavier needle, such as a denim or topstitch needle. As a general rule of thumb, the thread should easily fit through the eye of the needle. If the thread isn’t going through the eye of the needle easily, you are likely using the wrong type of needle.
When it comes time to change the needle, ensure that the feed mechanism is properly aligned. This will prevent the machine from jamming or snagging the fabric later in the project. Additionally, make sure that the needle you are using is the correct type for your machine. Different machines may take different types of needles, such as the flat shank vs. the round shank needles. Consult your machine’s manual to find the correct needle type.
Another consideration is the type of fabric you are using. Different fabrics require different needles. If you are stitching on heavier fabrics, such as denim, a denim needle is the best choice. For lighter fabrics, a sharp point is generally the ideal choice. If you are sewing a combination of fabrics try using a universal needle as they are designed to work with a variety of fabrics.
Finally, check the needle you have selected for any signs of wear and tear. You should always be working with a sharp, undamaged needle. If the needle is dull or damaged it will cause problems when you are stitching and may even lead to breakage or snagging. So, make sure to inspect your needles regularly and change them when necessary.
Types of Needles
There are a variety of needles available for sewing machines. Different types of needles have different uses and can make a huge difference in the quality of your work. Understanding the differences between different types of needles can help you select the right one for your project.
Sharp Point Needles: The most commonly used needles are the sharp point needles. These needles are designed for most woven fabrics and come in sizes 9-18. Sharp point needles are a great option for both home sewers and professionals.
Ball Point Needles: Ball point needles are designed for sewing on knit fabrics. Their rounded tips help the needle to slide in between the fabric’s fibers, rather than piercing them. This prevents damage to the fabric that can be caused by other types of needles.
Denim Needles: Denim needles are specifically designed for sewing on thicker fabrics such as denim, canvas, and vinyl. The sharper point of a denim needle helps it to penetrate through thick fabric, whilst the reinforced blade has been designed to resist breakage as the needle moves through the fabric.
Topstitch Needles: Topstitch needles have a longer eye and a larger, sharper point than other types of needles. These needles are designed to withstand heavier threads and fabrics, making them perfect for topstitching on jeans and other heavy fabrics.
Twin Needles: Twin needles are made up of two needles mounted on one shaft. They are used to create parallel stitches and can be used to create decorative stitching on knit fabrics.
Fabric Considerations
When selecting the type of needle for a project, fabric type is an important factor. Different fabrics require different needles to ensure that the fabric is properly pierced by the needle and the stitches will remain secure.
Light-Weight Fabrics: Light-weight fabrics such as silk and linen should be paired with with a small, sharp point needle. Sizes 9-12 are best for these types of fabrics as they are small enough to easily penetrate the fabric without causing damage.
Medium-Weight Fabrics: Medium-weight fabrics such as chiffon and cotton should be paired with a medium-sized sharp point needle, usually sizes 14-16. These needles are the perfect size to both easily penetrate the fabric without causing damage.
Heavy-Weight Fabrics: Heavy-weight fabrics such as denim and vinyl should be paired with a large, sharp point needle. Sizes 16-18 are best for these types of fabrics as they are strong enough to penetrate the fabric.
Thread Considerations
The type of thread you are working with should also be taken into consideration when selecting a needle. As a general rule, the thread should easily fit through the eye of the needle. If the thread isn’t going through the eye of the needle easily, you are likely using the wrong type of needle.
Light-Weight Threads: Light-weight threads such as cotton and silk should be paired with a light-weight needle, usually sizes 9-12. This combination ensures that the thread is not too heavy for the needle.
Medium-Weight Threads: Medium-weight threads such as polyester and rayon should be paired with a medium-weight needle, usually sizes 14-16. This combination ensures that the thread is not too heavy for the needle.
Heavy-Weight Threads: Heavy-weight threads such as upholstery thread should be paired with a heavy-weight needle, usually sizes 16-18. This combination ensures that the thread is not too light for the needle.
Needle Care
As needles are such an important part of the sewing process, it is imperative to take care of them properly. Always inspect your needle for signs of wear and tear and replace them when necessary. Also, be sure to match the correct type of needle to the fabric and thread you are working with.
When changing the needle ensure that the feed mechanism is properly aligned. This will prevent the machine from jamming or snagging the fabric later in the project. Additionally, make sure that the needle you are using is the correct type for your machine. Different machines may take different types of needles, such as the flat shank vs. the round shank needles.
Finally, always store your needles safely and securely. Do not leave your needles in the machine, as they can be damaged or bent if the machine is not used correctly. Additionally, store your needles in a sealed container and away from moisture and humidity as these can damage the needles and lead to problems when sewing.
Summary
Choosing the right needle for your sewing machine and the fabric you are working with can make all the difference between a successful and failed project. Needles come in a range of sizes and types for a variety of projects. When selecting the needle, you need to consider the type of fabric and thread you are working with, as well as the size and type of needle that is compatible with your machine.
Additionally, keep in mind that needles should be inspected regularly and replaced when necessary. And, always store your needles safely and securely in a sealed container. With the right needles and proper care, you can ensure that your sewing projects are successful and look their best.
