Here is some more detailed information about each type of Sewing Machine Needle;
Ideal for most woven fabrics, some knits and synthetics. The Universal Needle has a slight ball point making it extremely versatile. It works well on practically all domestic machines (not industrial machines) and is the most commonly used needle for synthetic woven and natural fibres. The finer needles are generally used on lightweight fabrics and the larger sized needles for medium to heavy weight fabrics. Suitable to be used with polyester, cotton or silk threads.
Available in sizes 60/8, 70/10, 75/11, 80/12, 90/14, 100/1, 110/18 and assorted fine, medium and heavy sizes. Size 80/12 is also available in
Titanium super strength needles.
Ideal for cotton knits, interlock, rib knits, fleece, double knit, and most knit fabrics. The tip is more rounded than the Universal needle and is designed to push the fabric fibres apart rather than cutting them, preventing the knit fabric laddering or running after stitching. Generally threads such as polyester or polyester/cotton blends are best. Once again the finer the fabric the finer the needle to be used.
Available in sizes 70/10, 80/12, 90/14 and assorted mix.
Designed especially for two way stretch knits, lycra, power net, silk jersey, spandex and highly elasticised synthetic fabrics, also ideal for sewing elastic. The Stretch Needle has a specially designed scarf which prevents skipped stitches. Threads are usually polyester or cotton wrapped polyester and for extra stretch the
woolly nylon threads are suitable.
Available in sizes 75/11, 90/14 and assorted mix.
Ideally suited for denim fabrics, heavy twill, workwear, and other densely woven fabrics such as canvas and heavy linens. Engineered with a very sharp point and a stiffer shank to resist needle deflection and allow penetration of dense fabric. Suitable threads range from synthetic or blends, cotton wrapped polyester, 100% polyester and heavier topstitching threads.
Available in sizes 90/14, 100/1 and assorted mix.
For genuine leather. The leather needle has a cutting point and is used for sewing leather, suedes and difficult to sew projects. It is often referred to as a chisel point needle as the point resembles and acts as a chisel in motion. Do not use with ultra suede, synthetic suede or PU imitation leather.
Available in sizes 90/14, 100/16, 110/18 and assorted mix.
For silks, micro fiber fabrics and for penetrating densely woven fabrics, also ideal for piercing and quilting layers of cotton fabrics with batting. A strengthened shaft also helps to reduce needle deflections as the needle penetrates multiple layers of fabric. The sharp point also produces smooth buttonholes.
Available in sizes 60/8, 70/10, 80/12, 90/14 and assorted mix.
Ideal for piercing and quilting layers of cotton fabrics and batting. A strengthened longer shaft also helps to reduce needle deflections as the needle penetrates multiple layers of fabric while maintaining a perfectly straight stitch.
The embroidery needle is specially designed for machine embroidery using Rayon, Polyester or Cotton machine embroidery threads. This needle features a wider hole to allow the thread to pass freely. Another feature is a pontoon scarf with oversize bump to reduce the chance of skipped stitches which can result when fabric is flexing up and down rapidly with the fast moving embroidery stitch.
Ideal for sewing and embroidery with rayon and metallic threads on woven or knitted fabrics. The Metalfil Needle is designed with a very large eye, allowing the threads to feed freely as you sew without splitting, burning or shredding. This needle is also suitable for general purpose sewing, giving the added advantage of being easier to thread due to the enlarged eye.
The extra large eye accommodates thick topstitching thread. The extra sharp point allows the needle to penetrate easily through all medium - heavy weight fabrics. These needles are best for top stitching, sashiko and blanket stitching.
Available in sizes 80/12 and 90/14.
The triple needle has 3 needles evenly spread on one shaft. Ideal for heirloom sewing, decorative seams and topstitching. Size indicates distance between needles - 3mm 80/12.
Please Note: Twin and Triple Needles are fixed in a nylon block and should be used at slower speeds and not for prolonged periods.
The single “wing” blade on the side of this needle cuts a narrow hole in the fabric, creating the popular heirloom-style decorative stitching.
Type A (System 16 x 231, DBX1, 2053)
Suitable for these overlocker machines/models;
Pfaff - 793, 794, 795, 796, 797
Brother - B500 & B600 series, M760DE, TE-B505
Elna - All MO series
Husky - M430, M431, M435, M435C, M435D, M436, M440, M441, M530, M535, M535C, M535D
Singer - 10U series. 14U12, 14U13, 14U22, 14U23, 14U32, 14U52
Suitable for these overlocker machines/models;
Babylock - All BL-3 series, EF-405, EF405M
Janome - 603, 603A
Mammylock - 334, 334D
Pinnock - P1, P2, PBL-1, PBL4, PBL4-436DF, PBL4-543DF
Pfaff - 603, 603A
Suitable for these overlocker machines/models;
Janome - 100, 200, 300, 400, & 500 series
Babylock - SL600, SL700, SL800, All BLE series, Protage 402
Globe - All models
Husky - SL3000 series, 34D
Toyota - SL3400, SL3403
Suitable for these overlocker machines/models;
Toyota - 6300, 6600, SL-1, SL-3000, SL-3404, 6500
Janome - All Combi series
Pfaff - 774E, 776E, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788
Bernette - All models (EXCEPT MO203, MO204 & MO205)
Brother - M730, M730D, M760, M760D, all PC, PL, 900 & 9000 series
Elna - All models (EXCEPT MO102, MO103 & MO104)
Husqvarna Huskilock - M460, All M540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 680, 800 & 900 series
Singer - 14U64A, 14U344, 14U354
Suitable for these overlocker machines/models;
Singer - 14U32 series, 14U34 series, 14U44, 14U65 series, 14U85 series, 14U234 series, 14U285, 14U286, 14U444, 14U454B, 14U544, 14U554, 14U555, 14U594, 14U595
Here is some other information you may not know about sewing machine needles;
Machine needles should be replaced after a maximum sewing time of 8 hours. Replace needles more frequently when sewing synthetic fabric, appliques or machine embroidery. This will avoid skipped stitches, fabric pulls and frayed threads.
Machine needles are designed to break for the protection of the sewing machine hook mechanism. If a needle bends, do not sew with it. When a machine needle breaks, it is a warning to check the following;
9) Twin needles, triple needles and other specialty needles can break due to excessive heat build up. To avoid breakage reduce speeds and avoid prolonged useage.