Whenever I do sewing machine shows on Create and Craft, I come home to a slew of queries about certain aspects, like "what is BobbinFill" or "what feet can I get for my new machine", so I find the best thing to do is write a blog post! This week's big question was about sewing machine needles, and what the numbers and colours mean! Once you have taken the needle out of the packet, how do you know what type it is, or what it is for? Where the clue is in the colours on the needle!
The first thing that you may notice on a sewing machine needle is that there are coloured bands on the needle shank. This means that once you have removed the needle from the packet you will still know what it's for!
The top band represents the needle type:
The top band represents the needle type:
 |
| Needle Band |
- Universal (All purpose for wovens & knits) - No colour
- Embroidery needle (embroidery threads) - Red
- Quilting Needle (multiple layers of fabric) - Green
- Microfibre Needle (Woven Fibres)- Purple
- Stretch Needle (Elastic Fabrics) - Yellow
- Ballpoint (Knitted fabrics) - Orange
- Jeans Needle (Denim) - Blue
- Leather Needle (for leather and vinyl fabrics) - Brown
- Topstitching (Exposed Stitching) - Light Green
- Metallic Needle (metallic thread) - Pink
The lower band shows the needle size:
There is a very useful guide available from Schmetz here with more details about needles, and it's a very interesting read. Generally any needle should fit any machine. They have a flat back on the shank (the top part of the needle) so that it will only slot into your machine one way. You can't fit it backwards unless you REALLY try! (Don't do that!!!!)
So do I need a special brand of needles for my machine? The answer is no - because sewing machine needles are standardised across the brands of sewing machine. I personally use Schmetz because I find them good quality, well priced and easily accessible.
So I hope that answers some of your questions about sewing machine needles!
- Size 60/8: Light green
- Size 65/9: White
- Size 70/10: Green
- Size 75/11: Pink
- Size 80/12: Orange
- Size 90/14: Blue
- Size 100/16: Purple
- Size 110/18: Yellow
- Size 120/19: Brown
- Size 125/20: Black
- Size 130/21: Red
There is a very useful guide available from Schmetz here with more details about needles, and it's a very interesting read. Generally any needle should fit any machine. They have a flat back on the shank (the top part of the needle) so that it will only slot into your machine one way. You can't fit it backwards unless you REALLY try! (Don't do that!!!!)
So do I need a special brand of needles for my machine? The answer is no - because sewing machine needles are standardised across the brands of sewing machine. I personally use Schmetz because I find them good quality, well priced and easily accessible.
So I hope that answers some of your questions about sewing machine needles!
Really appreciate the time trouble you've taken over this - but it has made things so much clearer. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteIm glad it helps 😉
DeleteSarah
well done, has answered my questions totally xx
ReplyDeleteCool, and thank you for your donation. People's support really means a lot!
DeleteSarah
Fantastic reply Sarah. That's why you are the queen of all things
ReplyDeleteQuilting xx
Bless you, I do try 😉
DeleteSarah
very useful information here wish all needle manufacturers did this I have been buying John James needles and they are not so good at sharuing ehat they are once out of the packet.
ReplyDeleteIt must be nearly time for your trip best of luck I will try and find the link on your blog to make a donation
Yes, not all companies are so helpful. Perhaps we should email them and let them know 😉
ReplyDeleteI dont know if you have already donated as the last one was anonymous, but here is the link just in case.
Www.justgiving.com/Sarah-Payne-Trek
Less than 2 weeks to go now eek!
Sarah x
I think Sarah's brilliant with her answers i've learnt so much from her over the years like what the little black screw on the ordinary foot is for. I didn't apparently have a purpose until sarah said it was for keeping the foot straight on very bulk seams. keep up the good work Sarah.
ReplyDelete