Kenmore 385. 17624, 385. 17620 owner manual Selecting Needle and Thread, Lace

Selecting Needle and Thread

For general sewing use needle size 11 or 14. A fine thread and needle should be used for sewing lightweight fabrics so the fabric will not be marred. Heavy fabrics require a needle large enough to pierce the fabric without fraying the needle thread.

In the needle case there is one each of size 11, 14, 16, 18 and a blue needle. Use the blue needle to eliminate skipped stitches when sewing knits and synthetic fabrics.

Special needles should be used on certain fabrics. A denim needle with a sharp tip effectively pierces dense fabrics such as denim and canvas. For topstitching, a special topstitching needle with a larger eye accom-

modates heavier weight thread. Leather needles punch small holes in leather and suede allowing the thread to follow through the hole.

Check your needles frequently for rough or blunt tips. Snags and runs in knits, fine silks and silk-like fabrics are permanent and are often caused by damaged needles.

Always purchase good quality thread. It should be strong, smooth and consistent in thickness.

f

WEIGHT

FABRIC

TYPE

OF NEEDLE

NEEDLE SIZE

Very Light

Chiffon,

Georgette,

Fine

Lace,

Organdy,

Organdy

Universal

9 (65)

Net,

Tulle

Ball Point

9 (65)

Batiste,

Voile,

Lawn,

Pure Silk,

Crepe

de

Chine,

Orange

11

(75)

Sheer

Crepe,

Chambray,

Handkerchief

Linen,

Blue

11

(75)

Gingham, Challis, Percale, Wool Crepe, Peau de

Light

Sole,

Taffeta,

Satin,

Silk

Surah,

Satin-backed

12

(80)

Crepe,

Qiana

Blue

11

(75)

Single

Knits,

Jersey,

Swimwear,

Tricot

Ball Point

11

(75)

Leather,

Suede

Wedge

Point

Leather

11

(75)

Flannel, Velour, Velvet, Muslin, Velveteen, Poplin,

Corduroy, Broadcloth,

Linen,

Chintz,

Gabardine,

Red

14

(90)

Felt, Terry, Burlap, Quilted Fabrics

Medium

Double

Knits,

(synthetic

and

natural)

Stretch

Velour,

Stretch

Terry,

Ball Point

14

(90)

Sweater

Knits

Leather,

Vinyl,

Suede

Wedge

Point

Leather

14

(90)

Denim,

Sailcloth,

Ticking

Denim

16

(100)

Double Faced Wool, Heavy Coating, Fake Fur,

Heavy

Drapery

Fabrics

Purple

16

(100)

Leather,

Suede

Wedge

Point

Leather

16 (100)

Canvas,

Duck,

Upholstery

Fabrics

Green

18

(110)

Topstitching

for

Special

Finish

Topstitching

11

(75)

14

(90)

J

16