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Selecting a needle
For general sewing, use needle size 11 or 14. A fine thread and needle should be used for sewing
lightweight fabrics, so the fabric will not be marred. Heavy fabrics require a needle large enough to pierce
the fabric without fraying the needle thread.
In the needle case you will find one size 14, three blue tipped needles and one twin needle. Use a blue
tipped needle to eliminate skipped stitches when sewing knits and synthetic fabrics.
There are also specialty needles available from your sewing machine dealer. A denim needle with a sharp
tip is used to effectively pierce dense fabrics such as denim and canvas. For topstitching, a special
topstitching needle with a larger eye accommodates heavier weight thread. Leather needles punch small
holes in leather and suede allowing the thread to follow through the hole.
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.
Always purchase a good quality thread. It should be strong, smooth and consistent in thickness.
WEIGHT
Very Light
Light
Medium
Heavy
Very Heavy
FABRIC
Chiffon, Georgette, Fine Lace, Organdy
Net, Tulle
Batiste, Voile, Lawn, Pure Silk, Crepe de Chine,
Sheer Crepe, Chambray, Handkerchief Linen,
Gingham, Challis, Percale, Wool Crepe, Peau de
Soie, Taffeta, Satin, Silk Surah, Satin-backed
Crepe, Qiana
Single Knits, Jersey, Swim wear, and Tricot
Leather Suede
Flannel, Velour, Velvet, Muslin, Velveteen,
Poplin, Corduroy, Broadcloth, Linen, Chintz,
Gabardine, Felt, Terry, Burlap, Quilted Fabrics
Double Knits, (synthetic and natural) Stretch
Velour, Stretch Terry, Sweater Knits
Leather, Vinyl, Suede
Denim, Sailcloth, Ticking
Double Faced Wool, Heavy Coating, Fake Fur,
Drapery Fabrics
Leather, Suede
Canvas, Duck, Upholstery Fabrics
Topstitching for Special Finish
TYPE of NEEDLE
Universal
Ball Point
Blue Tipped Needle
Universal
Blue Tipped Needle
Ball Point
Wedge Point
Leather Needle
Universal
Ball Point
Wedge Point
Leather Needle
Denim Needle
Universal
Wedge Point
Leather Needle
Universal
Topstitching Needle
NEEDLE SIZE
9 (65)
9 (65)
11 (75)
11 (75)
12 (80)
11 (75)
11 (75)
11 (75)
14 (90)
14 (90)
14 (90)
16 (100)
16 (100)
16 (100)
18 (110)
16 (100)
14 (90)