One of the most significant parts of a sewing machine is the needle. For aspiring and professional fashion designers, the right needle plays an important role in shaping, creating, and designing apparel.

Without the right needle, it’s impossible to stitch together impeccable designs, and create intricate patterns. The size of the needle plays an important role because it is used to create a passageway for the thread to pass through the fabric.

Choosing the right needle size may sound daunting at first but it becomes easier when you have a better understanding of the sizing chart. Here are a few things to consider before you choose the type and size of your needle:

Needle Sizes

You’re already aware of the fact that needles come in various shapes and sizes. Choosing the right size makes it easier to stitch together fabric using thread.

Needles that are very fine will be 55/7 and ones that are heavy and large are 120/19 in size. The number-two measuring system is used for measuring the size.

The higher number is for the metric system that defines needle shafts in millimeters. The lower number is used to measure sizes in the U.S.

• The finest needles come in sizes 8/60, 9/65 to 10/70.
• The medium needles come in sizes of 11/75, 12/80 to 14/90.
• The heaviest needles come in sizes of 16/100 to 20/120.

Needle Styles

Needles come in different shapes and sizes, but also different styles. Being aware of different styles can help make the designing process simpler.

The Ballpoint: As the name suggests, the ballpoint has a rounded tip in various degrees. It’s used mainly for knitting purposes because it slips between yarns easily without cutting them. This is useful because while knitting, it’s important to prevent broken fibers.

The perfect size is between 11/75 and 14/90.

Embroidery: The embroidery needle is sharp and pointed, followed by a special ‘scarf’ that is used to protect the decorative threads of embroidery.

The perfect size is 11/75 and 1490.

Denim Needles: These needles are very sharp so they can easily penetrate denim, which is tough. The needle comes equipped with a ‘slender eye’ that helps keep threads in one place. This helps form loops properly without any hassle.

The perfect size is 10/70, 12/80, 14/90, 16/100 and 18/110.

Leather Needle: It may be surprising for those who are new to designing but leather has its own needle. It has a wedge shape and the tip is very sharp. Since leather is a tough material like denim, the leather needle helps penetrate the material without any problems.

The perfect size is 12/80, 14/90, 16/100, 18/110 and 20/120.

Lefty Production Co. is a textile manufacturing company Los Angeles, California. Catering to fashion designers around the country, it offers exclusive services such as garment pattern making, sample making, marking & grading, cutting, sewing, finishing, and packing etc.

Feel free to visit our websiteor call us at +1 (323) 515-9266 for further information and details.