Sewing Machine Needles

The Structure of the Sewing Machine Needle

All sewing machine needles are structured the same way, but the parts that make up the needle may vary in shape and size.

All Sewing Machine Needles Include:

• Shank - The upper part of the needle that is inserted into your sewing machine, consisting of a flat and a round side for home machines. Industrial sewing machine needles, however, consist of a completely round shank.
• Shaft - the remainder of the body of the needle, from the shank to the point, is referred to as the shaft.
• Groove - Along the side of your needle will be the groove for the thread to side into the needle. For a heavier thread, you would want a larger groove.
• Scarf - Above the eye of your needle will be an indention that allows the thread to be picked up by the bobbin hook.
• Eye - At the end of the needle will be a hole for your thread to pass through, and the size can vary from needle to needle.
• Point - The very tip of the needle is the point, and this is the part of the needle that makes contact with the fabric first, pushing the needle through.
• Regular Point (Style 2020) - This type of needle is made to penetrate the threads of all woven fabrics.
• Chromium Regular-Point (Style 2000) - These needles are used for sewing woven fabrics and can be used on all SINGER® and QUANTUM® embroidery machines. This needle is stronger, lasts longer, and is made to withstand the high stitching speeds used in embroidery machines.
• Ball-Point (Style 2045) - The ball-point needles are typically used when you are sewing on knits. To avoid skipped stitches, the tip is rounded to allow the needle to pass through the fabric by separating the threads. You should not use a regular point needle on the knit fabric as it can cause skipped stitches or damage to the fabric.
• Chromium Ball-Point (Style 2001) - The Chromium Ball Point needles are used in knit fabrics on every QUANTUM® and SINGER® embroidery machines. This needle is stronger, lasts longer, and tolerates the high speeds seen in embroidery machines.
• Denim and Jeans (Style 2026) - This type of needle is recommended specifically for sewing the heavier fabrics of denim, jeans, and canvas.
• Twin Needles (Style 2025) - A twin needle is used for decorative stitching - this is done by simultaneously stitching two parallel rows.
• Hemstitch and Wing-Needles (Style 2040) - This needle is used in heirloom sewing by creating a little hole in the fabric as you are sewing. It is recommended to be used with woven fibers, such as linen or cotton.
• Wedge-Point (Style 2032) - These needles are specifically designed for specialty fabrics such as leather, suede, buckskin, or vinyl.

Choosing the Right Type of Sewing Machine Needles

• Regular-Point (Style 2054-42) - This type of needle is made to penetrate the threads of all woven fabrics. The serger needle is for use with your SINGER® model 14U serger/overlock sewing machine.
• Ball-Point (Style 2054-06) -  These needles are for when you are sewing on knits. To avoid skipped stitches, the tip is rounded to allow the needle to go through the fabric by separating the threads. A regular point needle should not be used on the knit fabric as it can cause skipped stitches and cause damage to the fabric by causing it to curl. The serger needle is for your SINGER® model 14U serger/overlock sewing machine.
• Chromium (Style 2022) - These serger needles are suggested for your ULTRALOCK® 14SH or SINGER® model QUANTUMLOCK® 14T serger/overlock sewing machine.

Recommended Sewing Machine Needles for Your Fabric

• Sheer to Lightweight:
  • Fabric Examples: Chiffon, Batiste, Organza, Georgette, Voile, and microfiber or micro-denier fabrics.
  • Recommended Needle: Regular-Point (9/70 or 11/80)
• Lightweight:
  • Fabric Examples: Chambray, Challis, Crepe de Chine, Charmeuse, Gauze, Silk, Taffeta, Handkerchief Linen, and Tissue Faille.
  • Recommended Needle: Regular-Point (11/80)
• Medium-Weight:
  • Fabric Examples: Brocade, Broadcloth, Chintz, Chino, Flannel, Corduroy, Poplin, Linen, Satin, Taffeta, Synthetic Suedes, Terry, and Velvet
  • Recommended Needle: Regular-Point (14/90)
• Medium to Heavy-Weight:
  • Fabric Examples: Damask, Coating, Drapery Fabric, Gabardine, Fake Fur, Ticking, and Woolens
  • Recommended Needle: Regular-Point (16/100 or 18/110)
• Denim, Canvas, and Jeans:
  • Recommended Needle: Denim and Jeans (16/100)
• Sheer to Lightweight Knits:
  • Fabric Example: Single Knit, Jersey, Spandex, and Tricot
  • Recommended Needle: Ball-Point (10/70 or 12/80)
• Medium to Heavy-Weight Knits:
  • Fabric Example: Sweatshirt, Double Knit, and Sweater Knit
  • Recommended Needle: Ball-Point (14/90)
• Specialty Fabrics:
  • Fabric Example: Leather, Buckskin, Suede, and Vinyl.
  • Recommended Needle: Wedge-Point (14/90 or 16/100)