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SECTION II
Getting Ready to Sew
Selecting the Correct Needle for Fabrics
There are many kinds of fabrics, threads and
needles. It is important to use the correct ones
together.
Always purchase good quality thread. It should be
strong, smooth and even in thickness. Use the
same thread for needle and bobbin. Always test
thread and needle size on a scrap piece of fabric.
In general, fine threads (the larger the number, the
finer the thread) and needles (the smaller the
number, the finer the needle) are used for sewing
lightweight fabrics and heavier threads and larger
needles are used for sewing heavyweight fabrics.
There are many specialty needles available from
your sewing machine dealer.
Check your needles frequently for rough or blunt
tips. Snags and runs in knits, fine silks and silklike
fabrics are permanent and are often caused
by damaged needles.
NOTE: A universal needle size 14/90 comes
inserted in your machine
Weight
Fabric Needle Type
Needle
Size
Very Chiffon, Fine Lace, Universal 9 (65)
Light Organdy Ball Point 9 (65)
Light
Batiste, Lawn, Crepe
Stretch 11 (75)
de Chine, Challis,
Handkerchief Linen,
Crepe, Taffeta, Satin
Universal 11 (75)
12 (80)
Single Knits, Jersey, Stretch 11 (75)
Swimwear, Tricot Ball Point 11 (75)
Leather, Suede Leather 11(75)
Medium
Flannel, Velour, Velvet,
Universal 14 (90)
Velveteen, Corduroy,
Linen, Gabardine,
Wool, Terry, Burlap
Double Knits, Stretch
Ball Point 14 (90)
Velour, Stretch Terry,
Sweater Knits
Leather, Vinyl, Suede
Leather 14 (90)
Heavy
Denim, Sailcloth,
Denim 16 (100)
Ticking
Coating, Polar Fleece,
Universal 16 (100)
Drapery, and
Upholstery Fabrics
Leather, Suede
Leather 16 (100)
Very
Canvas, Duck,
Universal 18 (110)
Heavy
Upholstery Fabrics
Topstitching for
Topstitching 11 (75)
Special Finish
14 (90)
zx
c
q
w
Changing Needles
z Tu rn ON the power switch. Press the “Up/Down
Needle” key to raise the needle. Lower the presser
foot. Turn OFF the power switch.
Turn the needle clamp screw q counterclockwise
to loosen. Remove the needle from the clamp.
x Insert the new needle into needle clamp with the
flat side to the back, pushing it up as far as it will go
w. Tighten the clamp screw firmly.
c To determine if the needle is defective, place the
flat side of the needle on something flat (a needle
plate, piece of glass, etc.). The gap between the
needle and the flat surface should be consistent.
Never use a bent or blunt needle, as it may cause
skipped stitches or thread breakage. Defective
needles can ruin the fabric. Always purchase good
quality needles. Change needles often.
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