Replacing the Needle

This section provides information on sewing machine needles.

1

Needle precautions

Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the handling of the needle. Failure to observe these precautions is extremely dangerous, for example, if the needle breaks and fragments are dispersed. Be sure to read and carefully follow the instructions below.

CAUTION

Only use home sewing machine needles. Use of any other needle may bend the needle or damage the machine.

Never use bent needles. Bent needles can easily break, possibly resulting in injuries.

Needle types and their uses

The sewing machine needle that should be used depends on the fabric and thread thickness. Refer to the following table when choosing the thread and needle appropriate for the fabric that you wish to sew.

Fabric Type/Application

Thread

 

Size of Needle

 

 

 

Type

 

Size

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Broadcloth

Cotton thread

 

60–90

 

Medium weight

 

 

 

 

Taffeta

Synthetic thread

 

75/11–90/14

 

 

fabrics

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flannel, Gabardine

Silk thread

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lawn

Cotton thread

 

60–90

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thin fabrics

Georgette

Synthetic thread

 

65/9–75/11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Challis, Satin

Silk thread

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denim

Cotton thread

 

30

100/16

 

 

 

 

Thick fabrics

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corduroy

Synthetic thread

 

50-60

90/14–100/16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tweed

Silk thread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stretch

Jersey

 

 

 

Ball point needle

 

Thread for knits

 

50–60

75/11–90/14

fabrics

 

 

Tricot

 

 

 

(golden colored)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cotton thread

 

50–90

 

Easily frayed fabrics

 

 

 

Synthetic thread

 

65/9–90/14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silk thread

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For top-stitching

Synthetic thread

 

30

100/16

 

 

 

Silk thread

 

50–60

90/11–90/14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Replacing the Needle 33

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Image 39
Brother 885-S61 operation manual Replacing the Needle, Needle precautions, Needle types and their uses, Fabrics