The list of sewing needle types seems endless, from universal needles to ballpoint needles and quilting needles. And, as if that’s not enough, they all come in different sizes too! How do you know which needle is the right one for your machine and project? Here is some info to help you choose.
Types of Sewing Needles
Let’s start by exploring the different types of sewing needles. These needles vary based on the shape of their points and the fabrics they work best with. Below are some of the most common types.
Universal Needles
Universal needles are the most common and versatile type of sewing needle. They have a slightly rounded point, so they’re suitable for a wide range of fabrics, from woven to knit and everything in between.
Ballpoint Needles
Ballpoint needles have a more rounded tip than universal needles. This tip allows the needle to slip between the fibers of the fabric rather than piercing through them. Ballpoint needles are especially useful when working with knits and other stretchy fabrics, as they won’t snag or damage the delicate fibers.
Quilting Needles
As the name suggests, quilting needles are for quilting projects. They have a slightly tapered point and most have a special coating that allows them to smoothly glide through multiple layers of fabric and batting.
Stretch Needles
Use stretch needles when working with knit and stretch fabrics. These needles have a special scarf, or indentation, on the back of the needle to prevent skipped stitches and fabric distortion. They also have a slightly rounded point and a larger eye to accommodate thicker threads.
Sharp Needles
Sharp needles, also known as sharp-point needles, have a very fine and sharp point, as their name implies. They’re for working with delicate and finely woven fabrics such as silk, satin, chiffon, and organza. They create precise and clean stitches without damaging the fabric.
Leather Needles
Leather needles have a chisel-shaped blade that cuts through leather and other heavy materials smoothly. They also have a large eye to accommodate thicker threads. Leather needles are useful for sewing leather, suede, vinyl, and other heavy fabrics.
Embroidery Needles
Embroidery needles have larger eyes and a wider body than standard sewing needles. They can accommodate thick embroidery threads and prevent fraying and breaking. Embroidery needles also have a sharp point for creating detailed designs on fabric.
Jeans Needles
Jeans needles are for sewing denim and other heavy fabrics. They have a sharp point and a strong shaft to penetrate multiple layers of thick fabric without breaking or bending. Jeans needles also feature a larger eye to accommodate thicker threads, such as topstitching thread.
Topstitching Needles
Topstitching needles are similar to jeans needles, but they have an even larger eye and a longer scarf (the indentation on the back of the needle) to accommodate thicker threads. You use them to create decorative topstitching on fabric, such as on the hems of jeans or the edges of quilts.
If you can believe it, this list doesn’t even cover all the needle types out there! These, however, are the most commonly used needles and should cover most of your sewing needs.
Sewing Needle Sizes
Remember, besides the type of needle itself, you also need to consider the size of your sewing needle. The size refers to the diameter of the shaft, and it’s designated by numbers.
The most common sizing system for sewing needles is based on a numbered scale, with lower numbers indicating smaller shaft diameters. For example, a size 14 needle will have a larger shaft than a size 10 needle. This numbering system is often used in Europe and Japan.
In contrast, American-made needles typically use two-number combinations to denote sizes. The two most commonly used are 75/11 and 90/14, which refer to the same needle: one with a diameter of .75 millimeters and the other with a diameter of .90 millimeters. These sizes are equivalent to size 11 and size 14 needles in the European system, respectively.
When choosing a needle size, consider the weight of your fabric and the type of thread you plan to use. If you’re working with heavier fabrics like denim or canvas, you may want to use a larger needle, like a 90/14, to accommodate the thicker threads and prevent breakage. If your project requires delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon, a smaller needle, like a 60/8, may be more appropriate to avoid snagging or damaging the fabric.
You may also need to adjust your needle size depending on the type of stitch you use. A running stitch, for example, may require a smaller needle compared to a backstitch. Since different projects call for various types and sizes of needles, it’s beneficial to have a wide selection in your sewing kit. This way, you can easily switch between needles for different fabrics and stitches.
Choosing Your Sewing Needle
When it comes to choosing the right needle for your machine, there are a few factors to consider:
- Fabric type: Different fabrics require various types of needles. For example, stretchy knit fabrics need a ballpoint or stretch needle to prevent snagging and skipping stitches.
- Thread weight: Thicker threads will require larger needle sizes with bigger eyes and a longer scarf.
- Project type: As discussed earlier, certain projects may benefit from specific needle types, such as using a topstitching needle for decorative stitching.
For example, if you’re working on a quilt, using a quilting needle can make the process smoother and easier. If your project requires leather or heavy-duty fabrics, a leather needle will prevent breakage and damage to the fabric. For general sewing projects, a universal needle with a medium-weight thread is typically suitable.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade from hand sewing to machine use, Authorized Vac and Sew has all the supplies you need. We sell sewing machines online alongside accessories like needles, thread, and bobbins.
Our selection of needles includes all the types mentioned above, plus more, like twin needles, serger needles, and metallic needles. Browse our selection today to stock up on the tools and supplies you need for your next sewing project.