Why use a specific needle for fleece?
When sewing with fleece it is important to use the right needle type to ensure a successful outcome. Different types of needles are designed to make different types of fabrics, and when used on the wrong material can lead to skipped stitches, pulls in the fabric, or uneven stitches. The right needle will ensure the fabric is cut cleanly, sewn easily, and depending on the stitch pattern will have a lasting effect on the item being created.
What kinds of needles are available?
The most common needles used for sewing on fleece are Universal needles and stretch needles. Universal needles are designed for general purpose use and are suitable to use on different medium to light weight fabrics. Stretch needles, on the other hand, are designed to cope with sewing on medium to heavyweight fabrics with a lot of stretch such as jersey and fleece.
How to identify which needle to use for fleece?
The best way to identify which needle to use for fleece is to look at the information printed on the side of the package. The needles are labelled either Universal or Stretch, but the size of the needle is also important. The size of the needle is expressed in numbers, the higher the number the larger the needle is. For fleece, a needle size of 70 or 80 is generally recommended.
Pros and cons of using aUniversal needle for fleece?
Universal needles are suitable to use on different fabrics including fleece. They are designed to cut through the fabric cleanly and can be used to make a variety of stitch patterns. However, Universal needles are not designed for sewing stretched fabrics and can cause puckering and skipped stitches.
Pros and cons of using a Stretch needle for fleece?
Stretch needles have a larger eye and a cutter groove which is designed to reduce skipped stitches when sewing on fabrics with a lot of stretch. This makes them ideal for sewing on fabrics like knits and fleece. However, it is important to note that a stretch needle can cause tension in the fabric and can potentially cause the stitches to pull or stretch out, so it is important to use the right size needle when sewing on fleece.
Additional tips for using a needle for fleece
When using a needle, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the best results. The needle should also be replaced regularly to ensure the best quality of stitching. Additionally, it is important to ensure the sewing machine is adjusted correctly to ensure the needle can move freely and the tension is set correctly.
effect of needle size on stitch and fabric
The size of the needle plays an important role in the outcome of the stitching. A too small needle can cause skipped stitches due to its limited ability to pass through the fabric, whereas a too large needle can cause pulling and uneven stitching. It is important to select the correct needle for fleece as the fabric requires a different stitching pattern than other fabrics. Depending on the stitch desired, a larger needle may be required such as an 80/12 or 90/14.
Various stitch patterns associated with fleece
When sewing with fleece, it is important to select the right stitch pattern to ensure a professional finish. Whilst a straight stitch is usually adequate for most sewing on fleece, a zigzag stitch should be used when sewing on thicker fabrics. This will help to reduce puckering and skipped stitches. A triple stretch stitch is also recommended for stretch fabrics and knit fabrics as it has a built-in elasticity and will provide additional hold when seams are stretched.
Machine settings for sewing with fleece
An important factor to consider when sewing with fleece is the machine settings. The stitch length should be set to a shorter length than normal, as this will help to reduce puckering and create a stronger stitch. The tension also needs to be adjusted properly to ensure the needle can move through the fabric without causing any damage. Using the right presser foot can also help to hold the fabric in place, which will help to reduce the risk of missing stitches or uneven stitching.
Guidelines to care for the machine while sewing with fleece
When sewing on fleece it is important to ensure the machine is well lubricated and serviced regularly. A buildup of lint on the needle or thread can cause problems with the stitching, and can even damage the machine. It is also important to clean the machine after each sewing session to make sure that the needle isn’t being damaged by any stray threads or fabric particles.
