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FABRIC–THREAD–NEEDLE –TABLE
Please pay attention to the following list as a guide for sewing different types of fabric.
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 and needles 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.
A denim needle with a sharp tip is used to sew heavy fabrics such as denim and canvas. For topstitching, a special
topstitching needle with a larger eye must be used for heavier weight thread. Leather needles punch small holes in
leather and suede allowing the thread to follow through the hole. When sewing stretch, very fine or synthetic
fabrics, use a stretch needle. The stretch needle prevents skipped stitches.
Check your needles frequently for rough or blunt tips. Snags and runs in knits, fine silks and silk-like fabrics are
permanent and are often caused by damaged needles.
Fabric
Threads
Needles
Light Weight
Crepe de chine,
Voile, Lawn,
Georgette,
Organdy, Tricot
Fine Silk
Fine Cotton
or Polyester
Thread
10/70 or
11/75 or
12/80
Medium Weight
Linen, Cotton,
Woolens,
Double Knits
Medium Weight
Cotton
Polyester
Thread
11/75 or
12/80 or
14/90
Heavy Weight
Denim, Tweed,
Gabardine,
Coating, Drapery,
and Upholstery
Fabric
Heavier Cotton
or Polyester
Thread
12/80 or
14/90
