ABOUT THE NEEDLE AND FABRIC

Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations

The following table provides information concerning the appropriate thread and needle for various fabrics. Please refer to this table when selecting a thread and needle for the fabric you wish to use.

Fabric type/Application

Thread

 

Size of needle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type

Size

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medium weight fabrics

Broadcloth

Cotton thread

60 - 90

75/11 - 90/14

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taffeta

Synthetic thread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flannel, Gabardine

Silk thread

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thin fabrics

Lawn

Cotton thread

60 - 90

65/9 - 75/11

 

 

 

 

 

 

Georgette

Synthetic thread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Challis, Satin

Silk thread

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thick fabrics

Denim

Cotton thread

30

90/14 - 100/16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corduroy

Synthetic thread

50 - 60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tweed

Silk thread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stretch fabrics

Jersey

Thread for knits

50 - 60

Ball point needle

 

 

 

 

(gold colored)

 

Tricot

 

 

 

 

 

75/11 - 90/14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Easily frayed fabrics

 

Cotton thread

50 - 90

65/9 - 90/14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Synthetic thread

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silk thread

50

 

 

 

 

 

 

For top-stitching

 

Synthetic thread

30

100/16

 

 

Silk thread

 

 

 

 

50 - 60

90/14 - 100/16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

B

1

Ready Getting

CAUTION

Be sure to follow the needle, thread, and fabric combinations listed in the table. Using an improper combination, especially a heavyweight fabric (i.e., denim) with a small needle (i.e., 65/9 - 75/11), may cause the needle to bend or break, and lead to injury. Also, the seam may be uneven, the fabric may pucker, or the machine may skip stitches.

Basic operations B-59