The different types of sewing machine needles
If there is a major point in any sewing project, it is indeed the choice of the needle !
A wide range ofsewing machine needles. Each type of needle meets specific needs depending on the fabric and type of sewing.
Here is an overview of the most common types of needles :
- Needles for overlock machines: the overlock machines, or overlock sewing machines, require special needles that can handle the speed and complex movement of these machines. These needles are thinner and designed to produce clean and professional seams on the edges of the fabric. They are essential for working with stretch fabrics and ensure elastic and durable finishes.
- Needles for industrial sewing machines: the industrial machines, used for high volume production or for particularly tough materials, require high-strength needles. These needles are often specific to the type of machine and type of material to be sewn, with variants designed to pierce thick fabrics like leather or technical materials without damaging them.
- Universal needles : as their name suggests, these versatile needles are suitable for a wide range of fabrics, from the finest to the thickest. A sewing machine needle universal needle is ideal for beginners or those working with different materials.
- Jeans needles : reinforced and equipped with a very sharp point, these needles are perfect for piercing thick and dense fabrics like denim, without damaging them or skipping stitches.
- Stretch needles : specifically designed for elastic and knitted fabrics, these needles have a rounded tip that allows sewing without snagging the fabric threads, thus avoiding skipped stitches.
- Needles for leather : with their spear-shaped tip, these needles are ideal for piercing non-woven materials like leather or vinyl, facilitating penetration without tearing the material. Note that the leather thread is necessary, the needle alone is not enough.
- Microtex (or sharps) needles : these needles have a very fine and sharp tip, designed for tight fabrics like silk and microfiber. They also allow for precise details in your sewing projects.
- Embroidery needles : specially designed for machine embroidery, these needles have a larger eye to allow easy passage of thick embroidery threads or special threads without damaging them.
- Double-pointed needles : allowing to create two lines of stitching simultaneously, this sewing machine needle is ideal for decorative seams or to reinforce certain stitches.
Needle size and numbering
The size and numbering of sewing machine needles determine the thickness and strength of the needle. Choosing the right size and appropriate numbering directly influences the quality of the stitching on different fabrics.
The numbering follows two systems : the European system, which uses numbers from 60 to 110, and the American system, which uses numbers from 8 to 18.
The lower the number, the finer the needle. A sewing machine needle fine needle is suitable for lightweight fabrics like silk or voile. Conversely, a higher number indicates a thicker needle, perfect for heavy fabrics like denim or leather.
Here is a small guide to match the size of thesewing machine needle to the type of fabric:
- 60/8 – 70/10 : these needles are intended for sewing on very fine and delicate fabrics (silk, tulle, voile).
- 80/12 : this size is one of the most versatile. It suits a wide variety of medium-weight fabrics, such as cotton or polyester.
- 90/14 : these needles are ideal for medium to heavy-weight fabrics, such as velvet or light upholstery fabric.
- 100/16 – 110/18 : these needle sizes are reserved for very thick fabrics or multiple layers, such as heavy denim, leather or canvas.
Before starting a new sewing project, make a test on a piece of similar fabric to ensure that thesewing machine needle chosen needle is suitable and that the machine settings are correct.
Why is it important to choose a needle adapted to your type of sewing?
Each type of needle is designed to optimize sewing on different fabrics1. A needle suited to the fabric reduces the risk of damage to the fabric or needle breakage. Furthermore, choosing the right 2. needle for your sewing machine 3. ensures that each stitch is perfectly formed, without skips or irregularities. Indeed, a sewing machine needle 4. needle that is too large may leave visible holes in fine fabrics, while one that is too fine risks breaking on thicker fabrics.
5. Moreover, the use of a 6. suitable needle 7. protects your sewing machine. A poorly chosen needle can lead to 8. repeated breakages9. , thread tension problems, or even permanently damage the mechanism of your machine. This can lead to premature wear of the machine.
10. Finally, choosing thesewing machine needle 11. appropriate one saves you time and reduces frustration. It allows for smoother sewing, avoids interruptions caused by technical problems, and increases your satisfaction and enjoyment in completing your sewing projects.
12. Adopting the13. suitable needle for each project 14. is therefore an essential step for any sewer concerned with the quality and finish of their creations!
15. When to replace your sewing machine needle?
16. A needle in good condition guarantees 17. the longevity of your machine18. , but also ensures the beauty and precision of your sewing projects. Thus, it is important to maintain your needles. After each sewing project, clean your needle to 19. remove fabric and thread residues20. . A simple brush with a soft brush or a blast of compressed air is sufficient.
21. Moreover, regularly check 22. the condition of the needle23. , especially its tip, and discard it if you find signs of wear or deformation. A damaged needle can indeed cause 24. sewing problems 25. (skipped stitches, fabric pulling).
26. A damaged needle must therefore be replaced. But generally, it is recommended to change thesewing machine needle 27. after each important project or after about 8 hours of sewing, because a blunt needle can, as seen earlier, affect the quality of your stitches and damage the fabric.
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