KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE
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15
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.
Selecting the needle depending on the thread and fabric types
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.
Use the same size thread for the upper (spool) and lower (bobbin) threads.
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.
● A 75/11 needle is already installed when the sewing machine is purchased.
● 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.
Sewing fabrics Needle sizes Thread sizes
Very thin
Fine tricot, Fine lace,
Thin linen, Silk,
Organza, Chiffon
65/9
Cotton: 80
Synthetic/ Polyester Long
Fiber
Fine Mercerized Cotton
Lightweight
Voile, Taffeta,
Synthetics, Silk, Batiste
75/11
Cotton: 60-80
Silk: “A”
Synthetic/ Polyester Long
Fiber
Mercerized 50
Medium weight
Cotton, Gingham,
Poplin, Percale, Pique,
Satin, Velvet,
Lightweight wool,
Fine corduroy, Suitings,
Linen, Muslin
90/14 (Supplied with
your machine.)
Cotton: 50-60
Silk: “A”
Synthetic/ Polyester Long
Fiber
Mercerized 50-60
Heavyweight
Denim, Gabardine,
Tweed, Corduroy,
Canvas, Duck
100/16
Cotton: 40-50
Mercerized Heavy Duty
Polyester Long Fiber
Knits
Single knit, Double knit,
Jersey, Tricot
90/14 (Ball point)
Cotton Wrapped
Polyester
Polyester Long Fiber
CAUTION