21
1
REPLACING THE NEEDLE
This section provides information on sewing machine needles.
Needle precautions
Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the handling of the needle. Failure to observe these
precautions is extremely dangerous. Be sure to read and carefully follow the instructions below.
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.
Memo
●
The smaller the thread number, the thicker the thread; and the larger the needle number, the thicker the
needle.
●
Use the ball point needle when sewing on stretch fabrics or fabrics where skipped stitches easily occur.
●
Use a 90/14 to 100/16 needle with transparent nylon threads, regardless of the fabric being sewn.
●
Only use home sewing machine needles. Use of any other needle may bend the needle or damage the
machine.
●
Never use bent needles. Bent needles can easily break, possibly resulting in injury.
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
(gold colored)
75/11–90/14
Tricot
Easily frayed fabrics
Cotton thread
50–90
65/9–90/14
Synthetic thread
Silk thread
50
For top-stitching
Synthetic thread
50
90/14–100/16
Silk thread
Meijer.com
