Selecting Needle and Fabric
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 needles case there is one each of size 11, 14, 16, 18 and blue needieo Use a blue needle to eliminate
skipped stitches when sewing knits and synthetic fabrics°
Special needles should be used on certain fabrics. 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 silk4ike fabrics
are permanent and are often caused by damaged needle&
Always purchase a good quality thread. It should be strong, smooth and consistent in thickness°
f
WEIGHT
Very Light
Light
Medium
Heavy
FABRIC
Chiffon, Georgette, Fine Lace,
Organdy, 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, Swimwear,
Tricot
Leather, Suede
Flannel, Velour, Velvet, Muslin,
Velveteen, Poplin, Corduroy, Broad-
cloth, 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
Universal
Bail point
TYPE OF NEEDLE NEEDLE SIZE
9 (65)
9 (65)
Blue
Orange
Blue
Ball point
Wedge point leather
Red
Ball point
Wedge point leather
Denim
Purple
Wedge point leather
Green
Topstitching
11 (75)
12(80)
1! (75)
11 (75)
11(75)
14 (90)
14 (90)
14(90)
16 (100)
16(1oo)
i 6 (1oo)
18(11o)
1ii75)
14(90)
28