🧵 A Stitch in Time: Types of Sewing Needles & When to Use Them 🧵
Whether you're a seasoned seamstress or just threading your first needle, choosing the right sewing needle can make all the difference! 🤓 From hand sewing to machine sewing, let's dive into the different types of sewing needles and what they're best suited for. ✨🧷
1. Universal Needle
Machine Sewing Needle 🪡
Best For: General-purpose sewing on woven and knit fabrics.
Description: Slightly rounded point, making it versatile for most projects. This needle is like the "jack-of-all-trades" in your sewing kit! 🎒
Size Recommendations: Choose a smaller size (e.g., 70/10 or 80/12) for lightweight fabrics and a larger size (e.g., 90/14) for heavier fabrics like denim or canvas.
Shop here at Joann
2. Ballpoint Needle
Machine Sewing Needle 🧵
Best For: Stretchy fabrics such as jersey, interlock, and other knits.
Description: With a rounded tip, this needle slips between fabric fibers rather than piercing them, preventing snags and runs. Perfect for t-shirts, leggings, or anything with stretch! 👚✨
Tips for Use: Pair with polyester thread for extra elasticity in your seams.
Shop here at Joann
Learn how to sew with expert instruction on Craftsy3. Sharp Needle (Microtex)
Machine Sewing Needle ✂️
Best For: Delicate or tightly woven fabrics like silk, microfiber, and taffeta.
Description: Fine, sharp point allows for precise stitching without damaging delicate fabrics. Great for topstitching and heirloom sewing, too! 🌸
Recommended Size: 60/8 or 70/10 for fine fabrics.
Shop here at Joann
4. Jeans/Denim Needle
Machine Sewing Needle 👖
Best For: Thick, tightly woven fabrics like denim, canvas, and upholstery fabric.
Description: Stronger shaft and a very sharp point to handle tough fabrics without breaking. It pierces through thick layers with ease, keeping your project frustration-free. 🙌
Suggested Size: 90/14 or 100/16 for heavy denim.
Shop here at Joann
5. Quilting Needle
Machine Sewing Needle 🧩
Best For: Quilting projects and piecing multiple layers.
Description: Specially designed with a tapered point to sew through several layers of fabric and batting without causing damage. Ideal for patchwork and quilting enthusiasts! 🎠
Sizes: Typically 75/11 or 90/14, depending on the thickness of the quilt.
Shop here at Joann
6. Embroidery Needle
Machine Sewing Needle 🎨
Best For: Machine embroidery on woven and knit fabrics.
Description: Larger eye accommodates embroidery threads that are thicker or more decorative (like metallics). Helps reduce thread breakage while adding embellishments. 🌈
Needle Size: 75/11 or 90/14 for heavier threads.
Shop here at Joann
7. Leather Needle
Machine Sewing Needle 👜
Best For: Leather, faux leather, vinyl, and suede.
Description: Wedge-shaped point designed to cut through non-woven materials without tearing. Gives smooth, clean stitches for sturdy seams on tough projects.
Size Recommendation: 100/16 or higher for thicker leather materials.
Shop here at Joann
8. Topstitch Needle
Machine Sewing Needle 🧥
Best For: Topstitching with thicker or decorative threads.
Description: Features a larger eye and a sharper point to accommodate heavier threads. Ensures strong, visible stitches that add a decorative touch to your project. ✨
Sizes Available: Commonly 90/14, but sizes can go up to 110/18 for very thick threads.
Shop here at Joann
9. Twin Needle
Machine Sewing Needle 👗
Best For: Hemming stretch fabrics and creating decorative stitching.
Description: Two needles attached to one shank, allowing you to sew two parallel lines at once. Great for hems on knit fabrics or adding fun details to garments!
Spacing Options: Comes in different widths; make sure to adjust your machine's stitch width accordingly.
Shop here at Joann
10. Hand Sewing Needles
Various Types: Sharps, Betweens, Embroidery (Crewel), Milliners, Tapestry, Chenille.
Sharps: General-purpose needles for hand sewing.
Betweens: Short needles for fine stitches, great for quilting by hand. Shop here at Joann
Embroidery (Crewel): Larger eye for thicker embroidery threads.
Milliners: Long needles for basting or making fabric-covered buttons. Shop here at Joann
Tapestry: Blunt tip, great for cross-stitch or needlepoint. Shop here at Joann
Chenille: Sharp point, large eye, perfect for ribbon embroidery. Shop here at Joann
✨ How to Choose the Right Needle ✨
When selecting a sewing needle, consider:
Fabric Type: Lightweight, stretchy, heavy, or delicate.
Thread Weight: Thicker threads require larger needles.
Stitch Type: Decorative, utility, or quilting stitches.
📚 Learn More!
Want to stitch your skills to the next level? Check out Sewing Bee University for free sewing tutorials, or explore classes from Craftsy and Creativebug for expert tips! 🧵✂️
Using the right needle can take your sewing from "meh" to magnificent! 🏆 So, what's your go-to needle? Let me know in the comments! 🧷
Shop sewing notions and supplies here at Sewing Machine Plus!