26
*
For transparent nylon thread, always use needle 90/14 - 100/16.
*
The same thread is usually used for the bobbin thread and upper threading.
FABRIC/THREAD/NEEDLE COMBINATION CHART
About the Needle
The sewing machine needle is probably the most important part of the sewing machine. Choosing the proper
needle for your sewing project will result in a beautiful finish and fewer problems. Below are some things to
keep in mind about needles.
•
The smaller the needle number, the smaller the needle. As the numbers increase, the needles get thicker.
•
Use fine needles with lightweight fabrics, and thicker needles with heavyweight fabrics.
•
To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 with stretch fabrics.
•
To avoid skipped stitches when sewing decorative stitches, we recommend using the ballpoint needle
(golden colored).
•
A home sewing machine needle 75/11 is inserted in the sewing machine.
CAUTION
Be sure to follow the needle, thread, and fabric combinations listed in the table. Using an
improper combination, especially a heavyweight fabric (i.e., denim) with a small needle (i.e.,
65/9 - 75/11), may cause the needle to bend or break, and lead to injury. Also, the seam may
be uneven, the fabric may pucker, or the machine may skip stitches.
Medium weight fabric
Lightweight fabric
Heavyweight fabric
Stretch fabric
Easily frayed fabric
For top stitching
Cotton
Synthetic mercerized
Silk or silk finished
Cotton
Synthetic mercerized
Silk
Cotton
Synthetic mercerized
Silk
Thread for knits
Cotton
Synthetic mercerized
Silk
Synthetic mercerized
Silk
Fabric
Broadcloth
Taffeta
Flannel,
Gabardine
Lawn, Batiste
Georgette
Challis, Satin
Denim
Corduroy
Tweed
Jersey
Tricot
60 - 80
60 - 80
50 - 80
60 - 80
60 - 80
50 - 80
30 - 50
50
50
50 - 60
50-80
50-80
50-80
30
30
75/11 - 90/14
65/9 - 75/11
90/14 - 100/16
Ball point needle
(golden colored)
75/11 - 90/14
65/9-90/14
90/14 - 100/16
Size
Thread
Size of needle
Type