Complete Guide to Sewing Machine Needles: Types, Colors, and Sizes

This comprehensive guide will begin with a simple query – What do sewing machine needles are employed to do? Following that, we’ll explain the different kinds of sewing needles, as in all kinds of needles to distinguish to master the art of sewing. Additionally we will provide you with the basics of

Each needle component

For instance, the needle of a sewing machine’s huge eye. It is also possible to comprehend what a sewing machine is.

needle color codes

Are and how sewing machine

needles number

work. After that, we’ll continue to help you navigate how sewing machine needles work, explaining the size of sewing needles to use for your. Furthermore,

Two interesting charts let you pick your needle according to the materials you want to work with.

and in relation to the kind of thread you’ll and the type of thread you will. Instead of throwing yourself into the depths of it and then to get you started, this guide will begin with the most basic details.

Sewing Machine Needles and Their Uses

If sewing is performed either by hand or using machine assistance, a needle will be always the primary element. But, we can’t make use of the same needles for both hand as well as machine sewing. The main function of the machine needle is to create holes through the fabric, allowing the thread to go through the fabric. It also permits the thread to make loops, which makes stitches complete. The sewing machine needle is made up of the following parts:

• 1. Butt is situated at the needle’s at the needle’s very. It is used to join an needle onto the sewing machine.
• 2. Shank is the base and widest portion of the needle. It is situated under the butt, and is attached to the bar of the needle. There are two types of shanks- cylindrical and flat.
• 3. Shoulder is a piece that runs along the shank. It reduces friction between the needle and fabric.
• 4. Blade The needle’s most narrow portion. It is also, of course, t this is where there is most tension between the needle as well as fabric.
• 5. A long-groove The long groove causes tension between needle fabric, and sewing thread.
• 6. The short groove The part that lies between the eye and the tip of the needle. It makes the loop with the thread of sewing.
• 7. Eye of needle is the opening on the top of the needle. In simple terms, its purpose is to secure the thread.
• 8. Scarf The slot with a curving design situated above the eye is used to close the gap between the looper as well as needle.
• 9. Point Point Sharpe the top of needle and the first piece that is in contact with the fabric.

There are three kinds of needle points namely universal sharp, sharp and ballpoint. But, be aware that different kinds of fabrics require different types of needles. Sharp needles are used when we sew straight lines. Knit fabrics require the needle to slide between loops and not harm the fibers or the fabric. This is why we use ballpoint needles. It is evident that we can use universal needles to work with both kinds of fabrics. This is of course an advantage because universal needles is that they are both round and sharp, allowing the needle to possess the qualities of needles with sharp edges and ballpoints similar to.

Sewing Machine Needles Types and Names

There are many needles available However, the most commonly used needles to be found are:

• 1. The round point needle This is the most well-known kind because it can be employed in virtually every type of sewing task.
• 2. Ballpoint needles are used to create elastic fabrics because its design permits the needle to go through the fiber and not directly over it, thus keeping the fabric’s elasticity.
• 3. DI leather needles – this is the kind of needle designed for dry, tough and hardened. Therefore, the diamond shape allows it to cut fiber instead of tearing it.
• 4. SD1 needle is similar to DI needle, but with a an enlarged cutting point. The needle’s tiny point does not just cut the fabric, but it also moves it to the side too.
• 5. A Serv7 needle – A scarf-shaped needle that has sharpened blade for cutting difficult material to slice.
• 6. Twin needle – This kind of needle is actually made up of two needles that are joined on a single carriage. It is used to sew the double stitches of decorative stitch. Don’t be enticed by the 4.0/80 label fool you. The first number is the distance between two needles in millimeters. The second number is the size of the needle.
• 7. Tri-needle: As its name suggests, this kind of needle is designed to sew triple decorative stitches. They are marked as 2.5/80 and refer to the same ratio that is on the twin needles.
• 8. This kind of needle is placed with extremely sensitive twine. to ensure that it doesn’t damage the twine, this needle is with a larger than the typical eye.
• 9. Metallic needles – The kind of needle has an eye shape that is stretched. This is essential to prevent the twine from becoming stretched.

Are Sewing Machine Needles Color Coded?

Some companies represent the needle’s size with colors, whereas the upper color is the one that represents the kind of needle it is, while the lower color is a representation of its size. This lets experienced users determine the right needle by simply looking at one. To facilitate this, needle maker Schmetz introduced color-coding. There is a brief description of the company’s size as well as its type designation right here. In the end, you’re not a skilled seamstress.

Types:

• 1. Needle Type: Universal Needle Color Band: No color band
• 2. Needle Type: Microtex Sharps Color Band: Purple
• 3. Needle Type: Ballpoint Color Band: Orange
• 4. Needle Type: Stretch Color Band: Yellow
• 5. Needle Type: Jeans Color Band: Blue
• 6. Needle Type Color Band Color Band: Light green
• 7. Needle Type: Quilting Color Band: Green
• 8. Needle Type: Embroidery Color Band: Red
• 9. Needle Type: Metallic Color Band: Pink
• 10. Needle Type: Leather Color Band: Brown

Sizes:

• 1. Size 80/12: Orange
• 2. Size 90/14: Blue
• 3. Size 100/16: Purple
• 4. Size 110/18: Yellow
• 5. Size 120/19: Brown
• 6. Size 125/20: Black
• 7. Size 130/21: Red

What Size Sewing Machine Needles Should You Use?

It is essential to select the right needle to enjoy a quality sewing session. To make the right choice, you need be aware of the kind of fabric you’re planning to employ. Any discord between the type of needle and the fabric could cause the stitches to be broken. Additionally, it could cause irreparable damage to be caused on the material. This is the basic rule that you must adhere to: the more thin the fabric, the smaller the needle. Likewise,

The more durable and heavy the substance is the heavier and thicker the needle you have to pick.

In order to help you gain understanding, we have provided an attractive little table to help to figure it out.

How are Sewing Machine Needles Numbered?

When we refer to “needle size” is referring to the size of the needle’s base at its largest size. There are differences between European as well as the American measurement system. In the European measurement system the size of the needle is expressed in terms of percent of a millimeter. For instance, a number of 80 needle has the size that is 0.8 millimeters. In the present, however, many needles are marked with two numbers: one which represents what is the European measurement, another representing what is known as the American measurement. If you’ve not picked the right needle, it may break. Many of the sewing issues can be a sign of a needle that isn’t properly selected. But, there are additional issues that a bad selection of needles can result in:

• Sewing machine does not turn on.
• The foot control isn’t responding.
• Threader speeds way out from control.
• The art of skipping stitch.
• Fabric is getting caught inside the sewing area.

It is important to change the needle within eight hours of use since a failure to do so could result in the needle becoming dull.

Sewing Machine Needles Size Chart

When choosing the correct needle size, it is important to think about the kind of material you’d like to work with. This chart will assist you.

• Batiste – universal 60/8, 70/10
• A Ny material that has glittersmicrotex 70/10 – 90/14 or stretch 75/11 90/14
• Cotton knitwear – jersey 70/10-90/14 or stretch 75/11, 90/14
• Boucle – jersey 70/10-90/14
• BrocadeMicrotex or universal 60/8-90/14
• Felt – universal 80/12-100/16
• Flannel – universal 80/12-110/18
• Terrycloth Universal 80/12-90/14
• Gauze – jersey 70/10, 80/12
• Jeans – 70/10-110/18
• Jersey without elasticinJersey 70/10 80/12
• Jersey with Elastane Stretch 65/9 75/11
• Lame Microtex 60/8/90/14
• Linen – universal 80/12, 90/14
• Spandex – stretch 65/9, 75/11
• Microfiber Microtex 60/8-80/12
• Nylon Microtex or universal 60/8-90/14
• Plastic foil – microtex 60/8-110/18
• Knitwear with no elastane 70/10-90/14 jersey
• Knitwear with ElastaneStretch 65/9-90/14
• Plush – stretch 75/11, 90/14
• Polyester Microtex or universal 60/8-100/16
• Popelin universal or microtex 60/8-80/12
• Popelin-universal and microtex 60/8/80/12
• Tricot – jersey 70/10-90/14
• Satinuniversal or microtex 60/8-80/12
• Satinuniversal or microtex 60/8-80/12
• SilkMicrotex 60/8-90/14
• Chiffon is a universal or microtex 60/8 70/10
• TaffetaMicrotex or universal 60/8 70/10, 60/8
• Awning fabric – jeans 90/14-110/18
• Fur70/10-100/16 universal or jersey 70/10-90/14
• Synthetic leather Microtex 70/10-100/16
• Wool-universal 70/10-100/16
• Velvet universal 80/12-100/167
• GeorgetteMicrotex or universal 60/8-80/12

Sewing Machine Needles and Threads



Different sewing techniques place various demands on threads used in sewing due to their sewability having an enormous impact on quality of the sewing. To be efficient each thread must be able to be able to fulfill the requirements for making the desired seam and to create the desired appearance in it.

There are a few rules to observe when inspecting the thread you sew with:

• Thread for needles must be able of fitting through the eye of the needle order to not create knots.
• To ensure that you do not destroy the thread, but not damage it, make sure its strength is greater than the fabric’s strength.
• Since the stitches must be equally distributed, it is necessary to select a thread that has an elastic stretch throughout its length.
• Make sure you control how much friction is created between thread and needle and with the material since high friction can cause the thread brake, while the lower friction will make it difficult for the stitches to stay in place and stop the running back of seams.
• The resistance to abrasion is the most important factor to high-quality sewing performance.
• The thread used for sewing must remain flexible to maintain its shape, while at the simultaneously preserving its properties in the seam after conclusion of the sewing procedure.

Extra Tips

Be aware that a high-quality sewing thread must be able to withstand the temperature that the needle experiences. The temperature of the needle is primarily dependent on the quality of the fabric as well as its speed on the machine as well as the type of needle used and the dimension of the thread. Be sure to keep an eye on the texture of the thread since it could affect the appearance of the seam. Also,

It is the last orientation of twist that allows the stitch to be formed.

This is essential in order for your machine to work effectively. The thread that is sewn must remain in colour of the final product for the duration of its existence. Also, it must maintain the fabric’s equilibrium and knot as little as is possible.

Sewing Machine Needle and Chart Size

When you’ve selected the material, it’s crucial to select the correct mix of needle and thread. The graph we’re going to share is comprised in the form of: Thread size/Thread size/Needle sizes. This chart is intended to summarise all the information you need about how thread size is related to the size of needle.

Nylon Thread

• Size 15 / Tex 16 / Govt. Size 00 – Use needles of sizes 70/10 up to 80/12
• Size 33 / Tex 35 / Govt. A – Use needles 80 , 12 to 90 14
• Size 46 / Tex 45 / Govt. B – Use needles of sizes 90/14 to 100/16
• Size 69 / Tex 70 / Govt. E – Use needle sizes 100/ 16 to 110/18
• Size 92 / Tex 90 / Govt. F – Use needles 110 , 18 and the 125/20 size.
• Size 138 / Tex 135 / Govt. FF – Use needles of sizes 120/19 to 140/22
• Size 207 / Tex 210 / Govt. 3-Cord: Use needle sizes 140/22 to 180/24
• Size 277 / Tex 270 / Govt. 4-Cord – Use needle sizes 180 / 24 up to 277 / 230 / 26
• Size 346 / Tex 350 / Govt. 5-Cord – Use needle sizes 230/26 up to 280/28
• Size 415 / Tex 410 / Govt. 6-Cord needles – Use needle sizes 280 / 28 up to 330/30
• Size 554 / Tex 600 / Govt. 8-Cord needles – Use sizes 330/30 to 360 / 32

Polyester Thread

• Bullet Point 1Size 15 / Tex 16 / Govt. Use needle sizes 70/ 10-80 or 12
• Size 33 / Tex 35 / Govt. AA – Use needles of sizes 80/12 to 90 14
• Size 46 / Tex 45 / Govt. B – Use needles of sizes 90/14 up to 100/16
• Size 69 / Tex 70 / Govt. E – Use needle sizes of 100 16 to 110 18
• Size 92 / Tex 90 / Govt. F – Use needles 110/18-18 to 125/20
• Size 138 / Tex 135 / Govt. FF – Use needles of sizes 120/19 to 140/22
• Size 207 / Tex 210 / Govt. 3-Cord – Use needles sizes 140/22 to 180/24
• Size 277 / Tex 270 / Govt. 4-Cord – Use needle sizes 180 / 24 up to 230/26
• Size 346 / Tex 350 / Govt. 5-Cord – Use needle sizes 230/26 up to 280/28
• Size 415 / Tex 410 / Govt. 6-Cord – Use needles of sizes 280 / 28 up to 330/3
• Size 554 / Tex 600 / Govt. 8-Cord needle – Use needle sizes 330/30 up to 360 32

Kevlar Thread

• Size 23 / Tex 21 / Govt. A – Use needles of sizes 70/10 to 80 12
• Size 46 / Tex 45 / Govt. B – Use needles of sizes 90/14 up to 100/16
• Size 69 / Tex 70 / Govt. E – Use needle sizes 100/ 16 to 110/18
• Size 92 / Tex 90 / Govt. F – Use needles 110/18-18 to the 125/20 size.
• Size 138 / Tex 135 / Govt. FF – Use needles sizes between 120 and 19 up to 140/22
• Size 207 / Tex 210 / Govt. 3-Cord: Use needle sizes 140/22 to 180/24
• Size 346 / Tex 350 / Govt. 5-Cord – Use needle sizes 230/26 to 288, 280 and 280.
• Size 415 / Tex 410 / Govt. 6-Cord – Use needles of sizes 280/28 to 330/30

Monofilament Thread

• Size .003 or Tex 5 – Use needle size 50 or 6 to 55 7
• Size .004 /Tex 8 – Use needles sizes 55/7 to 65 9
• Size .005 or Tex 13 – Use needle sizes 65/ 9 to 70 /10
• Size .006 (Tex 18) / Size.006 Use needle sizes of 10 to 75 / 11.
• Size .007 or Tex 27 Use needle sizes 75/ between 11 and 80.
• Size .008 /Tex 35 – Use needle sizes 80/ 12 to 90 14
• Size .009 or Tex 45 Use needle sizes 90/ 14 to 100 or 16
• Size .010 or Tex 50 Use needle sizes 100/ 16 to 110 18
• Size .011 or Tex 60 Use needle sizes 110/ 18 to 120 19
• Size .012 or Tex 80 Use needle sizes 120/ 19 to 125/20

Embroidery Thread

• 30-Weight – Use needle sizes 90/14 to 100 16
• 40-Weight – Use needle sizes 75 /11 to 80 12
• Fire Retardant Embroidery Thread
• 40-Weight – Use needles sizes 75 /11 to 80 12
• Fire Retardant Sewing Thread (spun Nomex and Kevlar)
• Tex 27, 30 and 31 – Apply needles of sizes 70/10 from 70 / 10 to 80 / 12.
• Tex 35 and 40 Use needle sizes of 80/12 to 90 14
• Tex 45 and 50: Use needles sizes 90/14 to 100/16
• Tex 60 and 70 Use needle sizes 100/ 16 to 110 18
• Tex 90 and 105. Use needles sizes of 110/18 to 125 20

Bag Closing Thread

• 4-Ply – Use needle sizes 140 , 22 or 230 (26 to 230).
• 5-Ply – Use needles of sizes 180 from 24 to 260 26

Polypropylene Thread

• Size 46 / Tex 45 / Govt. B – Use needles of sizes 90/14 to 100/16
• Size 69 / Tex 70 / Govt. E – Use needle sizes 100/ 16 to 110/18
• Size 92 / Tex 90 / Govt. F – Use needles 110 , 18 and the 125/20 size.
• Size 138 / Tex 135 / Govt. FF – Use needles of sizes between 120 and 19 up to 140/22

Waxed Thread

• Size 207 / Tex 210 / Govt. 3-Cord: Use needle sizes 140/22 up to 180/24
• Size 277 / Tex 270 / Govt. 4-Cord – Use needles of sizes 180/24 to 230/26
• Size 415 / Tex 410 / Govt. 6-Cord – Use needles of sizes 280/28 up to 330/30
• Size 554 / Tex 600 / Govt. 8-Cord needles – Use sizes 330/30 and 360 / 32
• Linen made of Waxed Polyester Use needle sizes 140/ 22 to 180 /24
• Embalmers Thread 2-Ply – Use needle sizes 180/ 24 to 230 and 26
• Embalmers Thread 3Ply – Use needle sizes 90/14 to 100/16

Other Threads

• 35 weight Robison-Anton Spun Polyester Use needle sizes of 80/12 to 90 / 14.
• 60-weight Bobbin Thread Use needle sizes of 55 / 7 to 65 9

Sewing Machine Needles Brands

In all the businesses which produce needles, only a few make a mark in the way that Schmetz is. The company’s precision is due in large part due to German discipline and perseverance. It was established in 1851, and has since been the biggest sewing machine needle maker around the globe. Isaac Merritt Singer created a company called I.M. Singer & Co in La Vergne, Tennessee. In the course of time, the term “Singer” almost became synonymous with sewing machines and served as proof of its longevity and quality. Singer created the vibrating sewing machine that was a significant leap from the outdated designs, such as the design of the transverse shuttle. One interesting fact is that Singer company pioneered the usage of installment plans to pay for bills. Janome company was established on the opposite side of the Pacific Ocean, in Japan in 1921.

The company manufactures not just needles, but sewing machines too.

The term “Janome” means “snake’s eye” in Japanese which is not atypical because the 20th century was when the round bobbin type replaced the long shuttle model. Another German-based company on listing is Klasse. As it was founded in the year 1980, it is the newest firm on our list. Since the moment it was created, Klasse was a business that was driven by innovation. By the time it had reached its fifth anniversary, Klasse was at the forefront of the technological revolution. Additionally, the company’s attention is on developing innovative needle designs that are compatible with the new types of fabric. The company devotes its inventory exclusively to sewing machines. The company that breaks the mold of publicly traded and owned companies is family-owned Groz-Beckert the company that is part that of the same family for over a decade since it was founded on the 18th of May, 1852. The company manufactures needles that are used for industrial sewing. This is far from its Klasse. Because of its ingenuity, Groz-Beckert showcased a new model of sewing machine constructed entirely from acrylic glass.

Conclusion

We hope you have liked this article, no matter how tedious and overwhelming it may be. It is essential to recognize that sewing is an intricate process that is simple to learn , but challenging to master. However, this article provides the basics including the different types of needles for sewing machines you can locate and their color-coding. If you are able to learn more, and dedicate time and effort to improving your skills then you’ll eventually be able to attain the level of an expert. This is why we have created this guide.

Although this won’t make you a master at the art, it will make you a master of


can make you a suited beginner.

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