KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE ————————————————————————————————————————
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20
REPLACING THE NEEDLE
This section provides information on sewing machine needles.

Needle precautions

Be sure to observe the following precautions concerning the handling of the needle. Failure to observe these
precautions is extremely dangerous. Be sure to read and carefully follow the instructions below.

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.
Memo
●The smaller the thread number, the thicker the thread; and the larger the needle number, the thicker the
needle.
●Use the ball point needle when sewing on stretch fabrics or fabrics where skipped stitches easily occur.
●Use a 90/14 to 100/16 needle with transparent nylon threads, regardless of the fabric being sewn.
●A 75/11 needle is already installed when the sewing machine is purchased.
●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 injury.
CAUTION
Fabric Type/Application Thread Size of Needle
Type Size
Medium
weight
fabrics
Broadcloth Cotton thread 60–80
75/11–90/14
Taffeta Synthetic thread
Flannel,
Gabardine Silk thread 50–80
Thin
fabrics
Lawn Cotton thread 60–80 65/9–75/11
Georgette Synthetic thread
Challis, Satin Silk thread 50–80
Thick
fabrics
Denim Cotton thread 30–50
90/14–100/16
Corduroy Synthetic thread 50
Tweed Silk thread
Stretch
fabrics
Jersey Thread for knits 50–60
Ball point needle
(golden colored)
75/11–90/14
Tricot
Easily frayed fabrics
Cotton thread
50–80 65/9–90/14Synthetic thread
Silk thread
For top-stitching Synthetic thread 30 90/14–100/16
Silk thread