12 days of sewing: #4: Choosing the right sewing machine needle
#1- Ensure you buy the right type of needle
- Domestic sewing machine needles
- Industrial machine needles
#2- Sewing machine needle anatomy
#3- Needle sizing
The bigger the number on your sewing machine needle, the bigger the end of the needle. Conversely, the smaller the number, the finer the end of the sewing machine needle.
My most used needle size is either an 80 or a 90
#4- Needle types
Many sewing machine needles are designed for specific tasks or fabrics. The most common needle is a universal needle, which is the standard one that can be used across a wide variety of fabrics and tasks.
Aside from universal needles, the most common other ones you may need to invest in as you progress with your sewing are likely to be
- Jersey or stretch needles for knit fabric and lycras
- Micr0tex needles
- Top stitch needles
- Denim needles
More specialist needles that you may need as you advance on your sewing are:-
- Leather needles
- Embroidery needles
- metallic needles
There are many other more specialized needles available, but this post was aimed as more of a getting started guide and i will cover other needles like a twin needle another time.
If you need help on how to change a sewing machine needle, then check out this post.
Prefer learning via video? Check out the video lesson version of this post which covers this topic in a little more depth.
PS- If you’d like my exclusive sewing tips and tricks then don’t leave without becoming a Thrifty Stitcher “Insider”
Now when I'm stuck I know I can ask the advice of the other elevator club members who never let me down
Elise- An elevator member
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