ABOUT THE NEEDLE AND FABRIC
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About the Needle
The sewing machine needle is probably the most important part of the sewing machine. Choosing the
proper needle for your sewing project will result in a beautiful finish and fewer problems. Below are some
things to keep in mind about needles.
• The smaller the needle number, the finer the needle. As the numbers increase, the needles get thicker.
• Use fine needles with lightweight fabrics, and thicker needles with heavyweight fabrics.
• To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 with stretch fabrics.
• To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 when sewing character or decorative
stitches.
Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations
The following table provides information concerning the appropriate thread and needle for various
fabrics. Please refer to this table when selecting a thread and needle for the fabric you wish to use.
ABOUT THE NEEDLE AND FABRIC
• Never use a thread of weight 20 or lower. It may cause malfunctions.
Fabric type/Application Thread Size of needle
Type Size
Medium weight fabrics Broadcloth Cotton thread 60 - 90 75/11 - 90/14
Taffeta Synthetic thread
Flannel, Gabardine Silk thread 50
Thin fabrics Lawn Cotton thread 60 - 90 65/9 - 75/11
Georgette Synthetic thread
Challis, Satin Silk thread 50
Thick fabrics Denim Cotton thread 30 90/14 - 100/16
50
Corduroy Synthetic thread 50 - 60
Tweed Silk thread
Stretch fabrics Jersey Thread for knits 50 - 60 Ball point needle
(gold colored)
75/11 - 90/14
Tr ic ot
Easily frayed fabrics Cotton thread 50 - 90 65/9 - 90/14
Synthetic thread
Silk thread 50
For top-stitching Synthetic thread
Silk thread
30 100/16
50 - 60 90/14 - 100/16
• For transparent monofilament nylon thread, always use needle sizes 90/14 or 100/16.
The same thread is usually used for the bobbin thread and upper thread.
• Be sure to follow the needle, thread, and fabric combinations listed in the table. Using an improper
combination, especially a heavyweight fabric (i.e., denim) with a small needle (i.e., 65/9 - 75/11), may
cause the needle to bend or break, and lead to injury. Also, the seam may be uneven, the fabric may
pucker, or the machine may skip stitches.
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