Our Website Is Currently Under Construction

Understanding Common Sewing Machine Needle Sizes

by Barbara H LAFOND

Common Sewing Machine Needle Sizes

Machine sewing needles come in various sizes, each designed for different fabrics and sewing tasks. Understanding these sizes helps you choose the right needle for your project, ensuring smooth sewing and preventing fabric damage. Here’s a breakdown of the different machine sewing needle sizes:

  1. Needle Size System
  • European Size System: Ranges from 60 to 120.
  • American Size System: Ranges from 8 to 20.
  • Dual Numbering System: Often both numbers are given, such as 70/10, 80/12, etc.
  1. Common Needle Sizes and Their Uses
  • 60/8: Suitable for very lightweight fabrics such as chiffon, organza, and silk. These needles are thin and delicate to prevent damaging fine fabrics.
  • 70/10: Ideal for lightweight fabrics like voile, tulle, and some lightweight knits. They provide precision for delicate materials.
  • 80/12: A versatile, all-purpose needle size used for medium-weight fabrics such as cotton, linen, and polyester. Suitable for general sewing tasks.
  • 90/14: Best for medium to heavy-weight fabrics like denim, canvas, and upholstery fabric. They are sturdier to handle thicker materials.
  • 100/16: Designed for heavy fabrics like leather, heavy denim, and heavy canvas. These needles are strong and durable for tough sewing jobs.
  • 110/18 and 120/20: Used for very heavy fabrics and multiple layers of fabric. Ideal for industrial sewing and upholstery work.
  1. Specialty Needles
  • Ballpoint Needles: Typically sized from 70/10 to 90/14, these needles have a rounded tip that pushes through knit fabrics without cutting the fibers, preventing snags and runs.
  • Quilting Needles: Sizes range from 75/11 to 90/14. They have a tapered point to sew through multiple layers of fabric and batting without causing damage.
  • Embroidery Needles: Usually sized 75/11 to 90/14, these needles have a larger eye to accommodate embroidery threads, reducing friction and thread breakage.
  • Topstitch Needles: Available in sizes 80/12 to 100/16, these needles have a larger eye and a sharper point to handle thicker topstitching threads and create clean, precise stitches.
  • Microtex (Sharp) Needles: Sizes range from 60/8 to 90/14. These needles have a very sharp point for precise stitching on fine or tightly woven fabrics like silk and microfiber.
  • Jeans/Denim Needles: Sized 90/14 to 110/18, these needles have a reinforced blade to sew through dense fabrics like denim without bending or breaking.
  1. Choosing the Right Needle Size
  • Fabric Weight: Match the needle size to the weight of your fabric. Lightweight fabrics require smaller needles, while heavier fabrics need larger needles.
  • Thread Type: Ensure the needle’s eye is large enough for the thread. Thicker threads require needles with larger eyes.
  • Sewing Task: Consider the specific sewing task, such as quilting, embroidery, or topstitching, and choose a needle designed for that purpose.

Selecting the correct machine sewing needle size is crucial for achieving professional results and avoiding issues like skipped stitches, broken needles, or fabric damage. Always test your needle on a scrap piece of fabric before starting your main project to ensure optimal performance.

Back to News