GETTING READY
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38
Needle types and their uses
The sewing machine needle that should be used depends on the fabric and thread thickness. Refer to the
following table when choosing the thread and needle appropriate for the fabric that you wish to sew.
Note
z
Never use a thread of weight 20 or lower. It
may cause malfunctions.
Memo
z
The smaller the thread number, the thicker
the thread, and the larger the needle
number, the thicker the needle.
z
Use the ball point needle when sewing on
stretch fabrics or fabrics where skipped
stitches easily occur.
z
Use a 90/14 to 100/16 needle with
transparent nylon threads, regardless of the
fabric being sewn.
CAUTION
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
100/16
50
90/14–100/16
Corduroy
Synthetic thread
50-60
Tweed
Silk thread
Stretch
fabrics
Jersey
Thread for knits
50–60
Ball point needle
75/11–90/14
(golden colored)
Tricot
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
90/11–90/14
●
The appropriate fabric, thread and needle
combinations are shown in the table
above. If the combination of the fabric,
thread and needle is not correct,
particularly when sewing thick fabrics
(such as denim) with thin needles (such as
65/9 to 75/11), the needle may bend or
break. In addition, the stitching may be
uneven or puckered or there may be
skipped stitches.
