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Need a little help choosing the right sewing machine needle? You’re not alone! Did you know that around 70% of sewing machine repairs are caused by issues with the needle? Picking the wrong one can lead to skipped stitches, broken needles, and damage to your machine.
Here are some handy tips to help you successfully navigate the needle aisle.
First things first, check your machine manual or search online to find the right size and type for your fabric and project.
Once you know the basics, consider the fiber content and weight of the fabric. Lightweight knits and silks do best with sharp points and fine diameters. Denser canvas and denim fabrics require a stronger needle that won’t bend or break.
If your fabric is prone to skipped stitches, try a needle with a specially designed scarf. And don’t forget to change it regularly. A worn or bent needle will degrade your stitch quality.
Investing a little time in finding the perfect needle will help your machine run smoothly and give you the results you want.
Table Of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Match needle size and type to fabric weight and fiber content. Smaller, sharper needles for lightweight fabrics; larger, duller needles for heavy fabrics.
- Use ballpoint needles for knits so the needle can slide between the loops without damaging the fabric.
- Sharp needles are good for tightly woven fabrics like denim and silk to pierce the tough weave without fraying.
- Change the needle regularly, every 4-6 hours of sewing time. Bent and damaged needles cause problems.
Needle Size Matters
You’ll want to match your needle size to the fabric weight for smooth stitching. Choose a fine 60-80 needle for lightweight fabrics like chiffon or silk. Medium weight cottons and knits do well with a 70-90 needle. For heavier canvas, denim, or multiple layers in quilting, opt for a 90-110 needle to pierce the extra thickness without fraying thread.
Going too small risks skipped stitches while oversized needles make large holes. Check your manual, but a general rule of thumb is the heavier the fabric, the higher the number.
Matching size prevents frustration down the line.
Needle Types for Fabrics
When choosing needles, the fabric is just as important as the thread. To start, knits require stretch needles to move with the fabric, heavy denim needs a sharp point to pierce the tough weave, and smooth ballpoint styles prevent snags in delicate silk.
Knits
When stitching knits, remember a ballpoint needle glides between fibers without piercing them.
- To prevent needle skip, select quality needles in multiple sizes.
- Secure hem edges with multiple rows of zigzag stitching.
- Finish seam allowances with a serger for comfortable inside seams.
Sew knits with care – the results will be soft, stretchy, and oh so cozy!
Denim
Let’s match jeans needles and polyester thread for denim durability. The sharp points pierce durable fabric easily. Sturdy shanks won’t bend under pressure. Slight ball points slide between yarns avoiding snags.
Use size 16 needles for lightweight denim, 18 for heavier denim. Thicker middle rows support stitching layers. Polyester thread won’t break and resists fraying. Take your time guiding the denim under the presser foot.
Let the feed dogs move the fabric. Check the tension settings and adjust if needed.
Silk
A sharp microtex needle glides smoothly through slippery silk, preventing snags on the delicate fabric. Choose a thin, sharp needle to pierce silk’s smooth surface while avoiding pulls or runs. Make your stitches small and keep tension light for smoother seams. Gently press with a warm iron to prevent water marks on the silk’s sheen.
Choosing the Right Needle Point
Knit fabrics demand a ballpoint needle to slide smoothly between stitches instead of piercing.
- Match the needle point to the fabric density. Dull points for loosely woven fabrics prevent snagging.
- Use a small sharp point for lightweight fabrics like chiffon to make precise holes.
- Ballpoint needles prevent damage when sewing knits. The rounded tip slips between the knitted loops.
- Stretch needle with a scarf is best for super-stretchy fabrics to prevent skipped stitches.
The correct needle point is key for beautiful stitching. Testing on fabric scraps helps select the needle to suit the project. Fabrics of varied density and stretch require needles engineered for their properties.
With the right needle, the thread glides smoothly through the fabric without damaging the weave or distorting the knitted loops for professional results.
Needle Brands to Try
S’wingers prefer Schmetz needles for their sharp points and smooth eyes that won’t damage thread. When selecting needles, test a few brands on your machine and fabric scraps. Find the right sharpness to pierce fabric without leaving holes, and eyes that don’t shred thread.
Use universal needles for most fabrics. Invest in specialty needles like denim, stretch, embroidery, leather, and twin needles for specific projects.
Change your needle often – after every big project or around every 4-6 hours of sewing time. A worn, damaged needle can negatively impact your sewing. Finding the right needle/fabric match will reward you with smooth, professional stitches and flawless seams.
Maintaining and Changing Needles
- Replace bent, dull, or damaged needles right away.
- Store unused needles in their original packaging to prevent bending.
- Clean the needle plate and race regularly to prevent fabric buildup.
- Adjust tension and presser foot pressure when changing needle sizes.
- Use quality needles – cheaper ones can damage fabric and the machine.
Maintaining the right needle and keeping your machine clean prevents skipped stitches, broken threads, uneven stitching, and damage to projects. By taking a few simple steps, you’ll get the most out of your machine and your sewing.
Troubleshooting Needle Issues
Consider checking needle size, type, and alignment if your machine skips stitches, breaks thread, or damages fabric. Checking needle issues tends to be overlooked because much attention gets focused on adjusting tension and threading.
However, the needle is the most important factor. Using the wrong needle or one that is damaged can mess up your stitching no matter how perfectly the machine is threaded or tension set.
Go slowly when inserting a new needle. Make sure the flat side is toward the back and the point lines up with the presser foot position. If the pattern says to use a certain needle, do so. Uneven fabric layers or sewing direction changes may require readjusting needle position to prevent skipped stitches.
When all else fails, try a fresh needle. It’s a simple, inexpensive fix that can get your stitching back on track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it okay to use a universal needle on all fabric types?
You can use a universal needle for most fabrics, but it’s better to match the needle type to the fabric. Using the right needle prevents skipped stitches, puckering, and damage. Knits need ballpoint needles, denim needs sharp point needles, and delicate fabrics like silk need fine needles.
How often should I change my sewing machine needle?
Change your needle after every project or when it starts skipping stitches—a dull needle can damage fabric and your machine. Check the needle’s point often with your fingernail to see if it is blunt or bent.
What’s the difference between a sharp point and a ballpoint needle?
You’ll want a sharp point needle for woven fabrics and a ballpoint needle for knits. The sharp point neatly pierces the threads in woven material, while the rounded ballpoint gently moves the knit fibers aside without snagging.
Choosing the right needle for the fabric helps avoid skipped stitches and damage.
Can I sew with a bent or damaged needle?
No, don’t sew with a bent or damaged needle. It can break, damage your machine or fabric, and cause skipped stitches or uneven tension.
Conclusion
Choosing the right needle is always a priority when sewing. Small details like the proper point style and high-quality brand make a big difference. Even though it may seem trivial, using the wrong needle for your project can lead to skipped stitches, broken threads, frustration, and even damaged fabric.
Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to select the best sewing machine needle for the job – your machine and materials will thank you! With the best needle installed, you’ll breeze through your project with ease.
- sewingfromhome.com