A Guide to Selecting the Best Sewing Machine Needles
Common Types
Universal needles
These are general-purpose needles designed for various types of fabrics, from woven to knit materials. They have a slightly rounded point, which allows them to easily penetrate multiple layers of fabric without damaging the fibers. Universal needles can handle a range of fabrics, but specialty needles are available for specific fabrics to ensure the best results.
Ballpoint needles
These needles are specifically designed for knit fabrics. Their rounded tip allows them to easily pass between the fabric fibers without breaking, snagging, or causing runs.
Stretch needles
Similar to ballpoint needles, stretch needles are designed for knit fabrics with a high level of elasticity, such as spandex or Lycra. They have a specially shaped eye and scarf (the indentation above the eye) to prevent skipped stitches.
Sharps needles
These needles have a sharp, fine point, making them ideal for delicate fabrics like silk, chiffon, and lightweight cotton. They create clean, straight stitches and prevent fabric puckering.
Denim or jeans needles
As the name suggests, these needles are designed for heavyweight fabrics, such as denim, corduroy, and canvas. They have a strong, sharp point and a sturdier shaft to penetrate thick layers without breaking.
Leather needles
These needles have a chisel-like point to penetrate leather, faux leather, and vinyl without tearing the material. They create clean, even stitches in these tough fabrics.
Twin needles
These needles have two shafts joined at the top, allowing them to create two parallel rows of stitches simultaneously. They are used for decorative stitches, hems, and pintucks.
Quilting needles
Designed for quilting through multiple layers of fabric and batting, these needles have a tapered point to minimize fabric shifting and puckering.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing
Compatibility with Sewing Machines
When purchasing sewing machine needles, it is crucial to consider compatibility with your sewing machine. It is important to ensure that the needles will work with the sewing machine you have at home. Fortunately, most needles are compatible with domestic sewing machines from popular brands such as Singer, Brother, Janome, and so on. Therefore, always check the compatibility of the needle before making a purchase.
Sizes
The size of the needle is another important aspect to consider when purchasing sewing machine needles. Needles come in a range of sizes, with each size suitable for different fabrics. The larger the number, the thicker/heavier the needle. For instance, size 65/9 is suitable for thin fabrics like silk, whilst size 110/18 is suitable for thickened fabrics like heavy fabrics with cotton. Size 75/11 is suitable for medium to thin fabrics like shirts, vests, and silk fabrics, whilst size 80/12 is suitable for general fabrics like T-shirt material and jersey. Therefore, always choose the size of the needle based on the type of fabric you plan on sewing.
