Choosing the RIGHT Sewing Machine Needle

Choosing the RIGHT Sewing Machine Needle

Hey there, fabulous quilters and sewing enthusiasts! Ready to dive into the wonderful world of sewing machine needles? Buckle up—it's going to be a fun and informative ride! Click here to get your sewing machine needles! 

Anatomy of a Sewing Machine Needle

First things first, let's get to know our needle buddies a bit better. Here's a quick rundown of their anatomy:

  • Butt: The top end that fits into your sewing machine.... no jokes just facts.
  • Shank: The part that gets clamped by the machine; home sewing machines use a flat shank for perfect positioning.
  • Shoulder: The section that tapers down from the shank.
  • Blade: Determines the needle size (e.g., size 75 equals a 0.75mm diameter).
  • Groove: Guides your thread to the eye; its length and size vary by needle type.
  • Scarf: The indentation above the eye that allows the bobbin hook to catch the thread and form a stitch.
  • Eye: The hole that the thread passes through; its shape and size differ among needle types.
  • Point & Tip: The business end that sticks its way through the fabric; its shape varies depending on the needle's purpose.

Choosing the Right Needle for Your Project

Selecting the perfect needle can feel like a daunting task, but fear not! Here's a breakdown to make it easier:

  • Universal Needles: Slightly rounded point; ideal for general sewing on woven and knit fabrics. Sizes range from 60/8 to 120/19.
  • Jersey (Ball Point) Needles: Medium ball point; perfect for knits and some stretch fabrics. Sizes 70/10 to 100/16.
  • Stretch Needles: Medium ball point with a special eye and scarf; designed for elastic materials and highly elastic knitwear. Sizes 65/9 to 90/14. This is also good for fleece and other stretchy stuff.
  • Jeans/Denim Needles: Modified medium ball point and reinforced blade; great for denim and similar fabrics. Sizes 70/10 to 110/18.  Be careful using this on thinner fabric - it can make a larger hole. 
  • Microtex/Sharp Needles: Slim, acute point; ideal for precision sewing on fine or tightly woven fabrics. Sizes 60/8 to 90/14.
  • Quilting Needles: Special taper to a slightly rounded point; designed for quilting layers of fabric and batting. Sizes 75/11 and 90/14.
  • Embroidery Needles: Light ball point with a wide eye and groove; perfect for use with rayon, polyester, and other specialty embroidery threads. Sizes 75/11 and 90/14.
  • Topstitch Needles: Extra sharp with an enlarged groove; accommodates larger diameter threads and dense fabrics. Sizes 80/12 to 100/16.
  • Leather Needles: Cutting point; designed for leather, artificial leather, and heavy non-woven synthetics. Sizes 70/10 to 110/18.

Universal Needle Sizes: What Do the Numbers Mean?

The numbers on a universal needle indicate its size, shown in both European and American systems. For example, a 70/10 needle means:

  • 70: The European size (the diameter of the needle in tenths of a millimeter, so 70 = 0.7mm).
  • 10: The American size (a relative scale where smaller numbers mean finer needles).

Universal needle sizes generally range from 60/8 (very fine) to 120/19 (very heavy). Here’s a quick guide:

  • 60/8: Perfect for delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon.
  • 70/10: Best for lightweight fabrics like voile or lightweight cotton.
  • 80/12: The go-to size for medium-weight fabrics like quilting cotton.
  • 90/14: Great for heavier fabrics like denim or canvas.
  • 100/16 and above: Ideal for heavy-duty fabrics like upholstery or multiple layers.

How to Choose the Right Size:

  • Match the needle size to your fabric thickness: finer needles for delicate fabrics, heavier needles for thick materials.
  • Consider your thread weight: thinner needles for lighter threads, larger needles for heavier threads.

Pro Tip: Test your needle and thread combination on a fabric scrap to ensure smooth stitching and no puckering.

When to Change Your Needle

A happy needle makes for happy sewing! Replace your needle regularly to avoid issues like:

  • Broken or shredded threads
  • Skipped or uneven stitches
  • Puckered or damaged fabrics
  • Annoying popping sounds from your machine

 

How to Track 8 Hours of Sewing

Keeping track of 8 hours of sewing can be tricky, but here are some tips to make it easier:

  1. Use a Timer: Set a timer for your sewing sessions and track the cumulative time. Many smartphones have built-in timer apps you can use for this purpose. Let's get real none of us will really do this, but it is possible.
  2. Keep a Journal: Jot down the start and stop times for each session in a notebook or planner. Add up the hours once you hit 8....again unlikely but we could try.
  3. Use a Visual Reminder: Place a sticky note on your sewing machine and mark a tally or note each session’s duration.
  4. Switch Needles by Project: If you’re not a fan of tracking time, simply replace the needle at the start of every new project. This method works well if most of your projects are of similar length.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right needle is like finding the perfect dance partner for your fabric and thread. It ensures smooth stitching and a delightful sewing experience. So, next time you're in The Quilted Cow Raymore, pick up some sewing machine needles!

Happy sewing!

Use links above, come on in the shop or email us today to get your needles!

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