Have you ever wondered which sewing machine needle to use for different fabrics? Many people are overwhelmed by the vast array of needle choices available on the market, but knowing the right type for each fabric will make the sewing process much easier. With the right needle, even novice sewers can have great success on any project.
Understandably, the first point to tackle is what size needle should you use? Sewing machine needles come in different sizes, ranging from 8 to 18. Depending on the thread size and fabric weight, the needle size should match. For instance, you should use a smaller needle size for a fine fabric and a larger size for a heavier fabric. If a thinner or thicker fabric is used, the needle should be appropriate for that fabric type as well. Also, when sewing with a heavy fabric, it is best to use a stronger thread size and larger needle than the thread and needle chosen for lighter fabrics.
The second point is whether to use a universal, sharp or ballpoint needle. Universal needles are the most common and can be used successfully on most fabrics, while sharp needles are used on more delicate fabrics like silk, linen and chiffon. Ballpoint needles are best used on stretchy fabrics, such as knits and jersey. The universal needle is the most versatile, and it is ideal to have several of these needles in different sizes on hand.
If you are someone who does a lot of quilting, it is advisable to use a special type of quilting needle for this task. Quilting needles have a slightly rounded tip and are especially designed for fabric that has been heavily stabilized with a backing. The rounded tip of the needle helps to prevent damaging the fabrics as it does not pierce as aggressively as a sharp needle would.
Choosing the correct needle for a project is a fairly simple process, but it is also an important part of successful sewing. Not using the correct needle can cause problems with both the fabric and the sewing machine, so it is best to take the time to find the right needle.
Types of Needles
When choosing a needle, it is important to understand the different types, and when to use them. There are several types of sewing machine needles: universal, sharp and ballpoint needles, as well as specialty needles for quilting and other tasks.
Universal needles are so named because they are suitable for a variety of fabrics. These general purpose needles are used on natural fabrics such as cotton, wool and silk, as well as synthetic fabrics like polyester and acrylic. Universal needles usually come in sizes 8 to 16, which refer to the diameter of the needle.
Sharp needles are designed for finely woven fabrics and delicate silks. These needles are slightly thinner than universal needles and have a slightly rounded tip to prevent breaking the threads of the fabric as it is sewn. Sharp needles are usually labelled “sizes 10 to 18”, as smaller sizes do not have a sharp point.
Ballpoint needles are designed specifically for knit fabrics and woven fabrics with some stretch, such as Lycra. The unique design of the ballpoint prevents the needle from cutting the fibers of the fabric and it can easily slide between the stitches. Ballpoint needles come in sizes 9 to 14 and have a much thicker shaft than universal and sharp needles.
Finally, quilting needles are specially designed for quilting tasks and have a slightly rounded tip to provide greater control and accuracy. Quilting needles come in sizes 9 to 18 and are especially useful when dealing with heavily stabilized fabric.
Needle Materials
It is also important to consider the material the needle is made of. Generally speaking, stainless steel needles are the most common and can be used on a wide range of fabrics and threads. There are also titanium-coated needles which are designed to last longer than steel and are a fairly popular option for quilters.
Nickel-coated needles are a plating over the stainless steel needles and are used mainly for decorative stitching and light fabrics. Platinum-coated needles are also available and are designed specifically for high-speed sewing and are designed to last longer. There are also specialty needles such as Jeans/Denim and Leather needles, as well as Double Eye needles which have two eyes for thicker threads.
Needle Sizing
There are several factors to consider when determining the proper size of the needle. The type of thread being used is the primary factor, as the needle size should match the thread size. A thinner thread requires a smaller size needle and a thicker thread requires a larger size needle. Always use the larger size when in doubt.
In addition to thread size, the type and weight of the fabric also play a role in determining the proper needle size. Generally speaking, the heavier the fabric, the larger the needle size should be. Needles for lightweight fabrics such as chiffon or silk should be smaller than the size used for heavier fabrics like denim.
For the best results, it is always best to use the proper needle size for the fabric and thread in question. When in doubt, experiment with different sizes of needles to find the best combination for the fabric and thread being used.
Choosing the Right Needle
Choosing the right needle for the fabric being used is not difficult, but it does require some thought and research. To get the best results, it is always best to use the correct needle type and size for the fabric and thread being used.
Start by determining the fabric weight and thread size and then use that information to choose the correct needle type and size. For most general sewing tasks, a universal needle in a size 8 to 16 should suffice. For finer fabrics, however, a sharper needle may be the better choice. And for stretchy fabrics and heavy duty fabrics, a ballpoint or quilting needle may be the best choice.
In conclusion, knowing the right type and size of needle for each fabric is an important part of successful sewing. By taking the time to select the right needle, novice and experienced sewers alike can have great success on any project.
