ABOUT THE NEEDLE AND FABRICGetting ReadyBasic operations B-49B1About the NeedleThe sewing machine needle is probably the most important part of the sewing machine. Choosing theproper needle for your sewing project will result in a beautiful finish and fewer problems. Below are somethings to keep in mind about needles.• The smaller the needle number, the finer 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, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 when sewing character or decorativestitches.Fabric/Thread/Needle CombinationsThe following table provides information concerning the appropriate thread and needle for variousfabrics. Please refer to this table when selecting a thread and needle for the fabric you wish to use.ABOUT THE NEEDLE AND FABRICFabric type/Application Thread Size of needleType SizeMedium weight fabrics Broadcloth Cotton thread 60 - 90 75/11 - 90/14Taffeta Synthetic threadFlannel, Gabardine Silk thread 50Thin fabrics Lawn Cotton thread 60 - 90 65/9 - 75/11Georgette Synthetic threadChallis, Satin Silk thread 50Thick fabrics Denim Cotton thread 30 90/14 - 100/1650Corduroy Synthetic thread 50 - 60Tweed Silk threadStretch fabrics Jersey Thread for knits 50 - 60 Ball point needle(gold colored)75/11 - 90/14TricotEasily frayed fabrics Cotton thread 50 - 90 65/9 - 90/14Synthetic threadSilk thread 50For top-stitching Synthetic threadSilk thread30 100/1650 - 60 90/14 - 100/16Note• Never use a thread of weight 20 or lower. It may cause malfunctions.Memo• For transparent monofilament nylon thread, always use needle sizes 90/14 or 100/16.The same thread is usually used for the bobbin thread and upper thread.CAUTION• Be sure to follow the needle, thread, and fabric combinations listed in the table. Using an impropercombination, especially a heavyweight fabric (i.e., denim) with a small needle (i.e., 65/9 - 75/11), maycause the needle to bend or break, and lead to injury. Also, the seam may be uneven, the fabric maypucker, or the machine may skip stitches.
