MZ53
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FAQs & Troubleshooting |
Combination of fabric, thread and needle
Fabric / Thread / Needle Combinations
The sewing machine needle is probably the most important part of the sewing machine.
Choosing the proper needle for your sewing project will result in a beautiful finish and fewer problems.
Below are some things to keep in mind about needles.
Sewing with a bent needle is extremely dangerous since the needle may break while the machine is being operated.
Before using the needle, place the flat side of the needle on a flat surface and check that the distance between the needle and the flat surface is even.
(1) Flat side (2) Needle type marking
- Correct needle
(3) Parallel space (4) Flat surface
- Incorrect needle
If the distance between the needle and the flat surface is not even, the needle is bent.
Do not use a bent needle.
(5) Flat surface
The sewing machine needle that should be used depends on the fabric and thread thickness.
Refer to the following table when choosing the thread and needle appropriate for the fabric that you wish to sew.
Fabric Type/Application | Thread | Size of Needle | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Size | |||
Medium weight fabrics | Broadcloth | Cotton thread | 60 – 90 | 75/11 – 90/14 |
Taffeta | Synthetic thread | |||
Flannel, Gabardine |
Silk thread | 50 | ||
Thin fabrics | Lawn | Cotton thread | 60 – 90 | 65/9 – 75/11 |
Georgette | Synthetic thread | |||
Challis, Satin |
Silk thread | 50 | ||
Thick fabrics | Denim | Cotton thread | 30 | 100/16 |
50 | 90/14 – 100/16 | |||
Corduroy | Synthetic thread | 50 – 60 | ||
Tweed | Silk thread | |||
Stretch fabrics | Jersey | Thread for knits | 50 – 60 | Ball point needle 75/11 – 90/14 (gold colored) |
Tricot | ||||
Easily frayed fabrics | Cotton thread | 50 – 90 | 65/9 – 90/14 | |
Synthetic thread | ||||
Silk thread | 50 | |||
For top-stitching | Synthetic thread, Silk thread |
30 | 100/16 | |
50 – 60 | 75/11 – 90/14 |
Be sure to follow the needle, thread, and fabric combinations listed in the table. Using an improper combination, especially a heavyweight fabric (i.e., denim) with a small needle (i.e., 65/9 - 75/11), may cause the needle to bend or break, and lead to injury. Also, the seam may be uneven, the fabric may pucker, or the machine may skip stitches.
Never use a thread of weight 20 or lower. It may cause malfunctions.
Thread and needle number
The smaller the thread number, the thicker the thread; and the larger the needle number, the thicker the needle.
Ball point needle (gold colored)
Use the ball point needle when sewing on stretch fabrics or fabrics where skipped stitches easily occur.
Transparent nylon thread
Use a 90/14 to 100/16 needle, regardless of the fabric or thread.