What kind of needle do you need for a sewing machine?

Answer 1

Make sure it's made for a sewing machine, rather than hand sewing. When selecting a needle for regular sewing, start with needle size. European needles range in size from 60 to 120, which refers to the diameter taken on the shaft right above the eye. American needles are sized from 8 to 19 in an arbitrary numbering system, and paired with corresponding European sizes: for example, 60/8 or 70/10; the larger the number, the larger the needle.

Determine needle size by fabric weight. Choose a size 60/8 needle for lightweight fabrics like organdy; a 70/10 or 80/12 needle for medium-weight like jersey, Lycra, linen; a 90/14 and 100/16 for heavy fabrics like jeans, vinyl, upholstery or canvas; and 110/18 or 120/19 for very heavy fabrics.

After choosing needle size, match the needle point to your fabric. The needle type and name is usually determined by the characteristics of the needle's point. Rounded or "ball" point for knits and sharp point for woven fabrics.

Answer 2

Almost every machine for the last 60 years takes needle system 130/705H needles. They have a flat portion of the shank (the part that goes in the needle clamp) and a groove down the front
of the needle that the thread goes in (thread groove), a cutout in the back for the sewing hook (the scarf), an eye for the thread and a point of various shapes. If you'd like to see needles up close, go to:
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=17206792&uid=9417699

Beyond that, you need to know the type of fabric you're intending to sew -- woven fabrics need a sharp pointed needle, knits a ball pointed needle. Schmetz, a commonly found type of needle for household sewing machines, also makes a "Universal" needle that's a compromise between the two points that works pretty well on almost all fabrics. And there are special needles for special jobs, like sewing real leather or topstitching.

You also need to know the weight of the fabric you're going to sew. Very thin, fine fabrics (like sheer curtains or batiste) need about a size 70/10 needle; shirt weight fabrics about a size 80/12, most heavier fabrics a size 90/14. You want to poke the smallest possible hole in your fabric possible, so you want to use the thinnest needle you can that still gives good stitching. If you get skipped stitches the needle bends or breaks (and you're not pulling on the fabric), you need a larger size needle.

Now all that said, for most sewing jobs (assuming the machine is less than 60 years old) a pack of Schmetz size 80/12 universals will do most stitching jobs. Get some 90/14s if you're working with heavy fabric.

If your machine is older than that, and you don't have an old packet that needles came in, and you don't have the manual, write down the name of the machine maker, the model name (if there's one) and the serial number (if there's one) and call a sewing machine repair shop.... they'll be able to tell you what needle system your machine uses.

Answer 3

what is the make of your sewing machine? When you know that go to the fabric store and check out the needles for your model, some are universal but others are not. The package will list the models that the needles will fit.
The flat side of the needle is on a different side for some models.
Then you can choose what type and size of needle you need, depending on what type of material you are planning on sewing.

Answer 4

No, the needles for a sewing machine are made different than other needles, like for hand sewing. but there are alot of different kinds of sewing machine needles. There's needles for knits (stretchy fabrics) there are needles for woven (like cottons) some for leathers, silks, you name it. There are many different kinds and makers. Always use the kind that your machine's manufacturer suggests. You are entering a wonderful new world that I think you're gonna love. My suggestion would be to visit a regular fabric house like JoAnn's and talk to the folks who work there. they are a WONDERFUL source of information. Browse through the aisles. and just become familiar with the different merchendise. As for thread. Many threads on the market have printed on top of the spool what they're used for. I would suggest a heavy weight nylon thread or a heavy cotton thread. Hope that helps. S

Answer 5

You just go into a fabric shop and buy sewing machine needles. They are shaped to fit the machine at the top, and have the eye at the bottom.

Answer 6

Sewing machine needles they come in various sizes depending on what thickness or material you are sewing ~~

Answer 7

Special needles of different thickness are available from the shop dealing in sewing machines.Please contact them.

Answer 8

a sewing mach needle,
they are diffrent from a regular needle, they have a larger shank with a flat side, for mounting in the mach,