NEEDLE, FABRIC, THREAD SELECTION GUIDE
NEEDLE SIZE FABRICS THREAD
9-11(65-75)
12(80)
Lightweight fabrics-thin cottons, voile, serge, silk , muslin,
Qiana, interlocks, cotton knits, tricots, jerseys, crepes,
woven polyester, shirt & blouse fabrics.
Medium weight fabrics-cotton, satin, kettleclote, sailcloth,
double knits, lightweight woollens.
Medium weight fabrics-cotton duck, woolen, heavier knits,
terrycloth, denims.
Heavyweight fabrics-canvas, woolens, outdoor tent and
quilted fabrics, denims, upholstery material (light to
medium).
Heavy woollens, overcoat fabrics, upholstery fabrics, some
leathers and vinyls.
Standard sharp needles. Sizes range thin to large. 9 (65) to
18(110)
Semi-ball point needle, scarfed. 9(65) to 18(110)
Full ball point needle 9(65) to 18(110)
Leather needles. 12(80) to 18(110)
IMPORTANT: Match needle size to thread size and weight of fabric
NEEDLE, FABRIC SELECTION
Note twin needle:
1. Twin needles, can be purchased for utility and decorative work.
2. When sewing with twin needles, the stitch width dial should be set at less than 4.
3. European needles show sizes 65, 70, 80 etc. American and Japanese needles show size 9, 11, 12 etc.
4. Replace needle often (approximately every other garment ) and / or at first thread breakage or skipped stitches.
Natural woven fabrics-wool, cotton, silk, etc. Qiana. Not
recommended for double knits.
Natural and synthetic woven fabrics, polyester blends.
Knits-polyesters, interlocks, tricot, single and double knits.
Can be used instead of 15 1 for sewing all fabrics.
14(90)
16(100)
18(110)
Light-duty thread in cotton, nylon or polyester.
Most threads sold are medium size and suitable for these
fabrics and needle sizes. Use polyester threads on
synthetic materials and cotton on natural woven fabrics for
best results. Always use the same thread on top and
bottom.
Heavy duty thread, carpet thread. (Use heavy foot
pressure-large numbers.)
NEEDLES EXPLANATION TYPE OF FABRIC
Sweater knits, Lycra, swimsuit fabric, elastic.
Leather, vinyl, upholstery. (Leaves smaller hole than
standard large needle.)
HA 1
15 1
15 1/705H(SUK)
15 1/705H (SUK)
130 PCL
17