Choosing the right sewing needle for a project is quite literally a make-or-break decision. Broken needles, ruined fabric, and jammed machines are less likely to occur when the correct selection is made. Although they’re standardized, there are certain needles made for specific types of fabric. Some needle types like denim and leather are self-explanatory, but other needle types aren’t. Read below for a general overview of the sewing needles found at MoodFabrics.com and when to use them.
1. Super Nonstick
Super nonstick needles are perfect for self-adhesive stabilizers, temporary spray adhesives, tapes, and more. This needle has an extra-large eye and distinctive scarf. Its specially designed eye is made to prevent skipped stitches.
2. Universal Twin Needles
This needle is used for pin tucking and decorative stitches. Use this type of needle at a slower speed for the best results.
3. Extra Wide Sewing Machine Twin Needle
Enjoy two universal sewing needles fused on one shank that’s double the width of a standard twin needle for double stitching and double the width. Sew on extra-wide trims like a satin ribbon or an elastic waistband with a single stroke.
4. Double Hemstitch Needle
Consider this needle the fusion of a wing needle and a universal needle to produce double stitches. This needle is perfect for heirloom stitching and decorative cutwork.
5. Universal Needle
As the most widely used type of needle, it comes in a variety of sizes and has a wide variety of uses. It’s suitable for synthetics, wovens, and some knits. Finer needles (10-12) are commonly used for lightweight fabrics like voile or poplin, while larger needle sizes (14-18) are better suited for medium to extra heavyweight fabrics, like upholstery fabric.
6. Jeans/Denim
This needle type is equipped with a sharp point and strong shank to cut easily through the heavy fabric without breaking. It’s designed for densely woven fabrics, heavy twills, canvas, and heavy linens.
7. Leather
This needle looks similar to a chisel and is designed for sewing genuine leather, suede, and otherwise difficult to sew with fabrics.
8. Quilting
This needle type is designed for working with multiple layers of fabric or wadding. It’s quite short in length, allowing it to make quick and neat stitches.
9. Microtex Sharp
This fine-tipped needle is designed to sew silk, faux leather, and more with accurate precision. It creates perfect topstitching.
10. Embroidery
This needle is designed with a wider eye that works with embroidery thread allowing the thread to pass through easily and freely. It has a pontoon scarf and over-sized bump made to prevent skipped stitches.
11. Overlock blx1 and Overlock dcx1
These needles work for your serger to sew through various types of fabric to sew over the edge of one or two layers of fabric for edging, seaming, or finishing.
A Stretch Twin Needle works in the same as a stretch needle just with two needles at a time for double the stitching.
13. Universal Ballpoint Needle
This round-tipped needle pushes fibers back instead of cutting them, making them ideal for use with most knits, interlocks, and fleecy fabrics. Most commonly used for jersey fabrics.
A little sewing needle knowledge goes a long way and will help make your completed garment or project a total sewing success. Spread the wealth—Leave a comment below with your favorite tips for choosing the right sewing needle.
