For thread, the lower the number, the heavier the thread. So when you're working with a finer needle like 70/10 for batiks, you might actually want a higher number on your thread. So work with a 50 or 60 weight thread with your batiks and you'll have better results.

How can you tell what size needle you should use on your fabric?

The general rule is the bigger the size number, the bigger the needle! And the thinner the fabric you are using, the smaller the needle size you will need, and vice versa for thicker fabrics (you will need a larger needle).

What size needle should I use for what weight thread?

Needle Size

A general rule is to use a needle whose eye is 40% larger than the diameter of the thread. If you use a #75/11 or #80/12 size needle for 50 weight thread, you should use a needle with a larger eye when sewing with a heavier thread. We recommend a size #90/14 when sewing with a 40 wt.

What size needle is best for quilt piecing?

An 80/12 is fine for general piecing and machine quilting. If you are using tiny threads (like bobbin, lingerie, invisible) in machine quilting, use a size 60/8. Singer codes this with a purple top. A Skip-free Needle has a deeper groove above the eye (scarf) and flatter shank than a Universal.

What is a 90 14 needle?

90/14 – suitable for medium weight fabrics, e.g. slightly heavier weight cotton, polyester, linen, lightweight upholstery fabric. Light Weight Fabrics. Lighter weight fabrics such as silk (chiffon, organza, crepe-de-chine) will require a smaller sized needle. The lighter the fabric the smaller the needle required.

Machine Minute - Needle and Thread Combos: Batiks

20 related questions found

What is an 80 12 needle used for?

Double Eye 80/12 A Universal needle with two eyes, used on wovens and knits. Used with two threads for topstitching, shading and texturing effects and for embroidery. Stretch 75/11, 90/14 The medium ball point, special eye and scarf are specially designed to prevent skipped stitches.

What needle do you use for 50 weight thread?

It is helpful to remember that a 50 weight thread should be paired with a size 80/12 needle. (80 is the European size, while 12 is the American needle numbering system.)

How do I choose a thread size?

Choose thread based on the type of fiber, look, feel, and thickness and not by the printed weight size. Trust your eyes and fingers more than the label. You'll get better results and be much happier with your selection. Choose fine threads to blend and medium and heavier threads to show.

How do you match thread to needle size?

Needle size:

A general rule is to use a needle whose eye is 40% larger than the diameter of the thread. If you use a 75/11 or 80/12 size needle for 50-weight thread, you should use a needle with a larger eye when sewing with a heavier thread. We recommend a size 90/14 when sewing with a 40 wt.

What is a 70 09 needle used for?

Needles come in 3 sizes: 70/09 – for use on sheer, lightweight fabrics, 60/08 – for use on lightweight fabrics, and 80/11 – for use on silk and other lightweight woven fabrics. Needles can be used by SINGER, Brother, Kenmore and other quality sewing machines.

Which needle is ideal for all woven fabrics?

Universal (Style 2054-42) serger needles are used for all woven fabrics. This needle will penetrate the fabric threads of woven fabrics.

What size needle does a singer simple use?

Needle Size

There is a wide range of sizes available, but the most common sizes used are SINGER® sizes 11/80 (for light weight fabrics), 14/90 (for medium weight fabrics) and 16/100 (for medium to heavier weight fabrics).

How do I know what sewing machine needle to use?

Needle size

1. American sized needles are numbered from size 8 to size 19. The finest, sharpest American needle will be a size 8, whereas the thickest needle is a size 19.
2. European sized needles range in size between 60 and 120. Here, the finest needles start at size 60, whereas the thickest needles are size 120.

What is 12 weight thread used for?

Use 12wt for bold machine quilting, big stitch hand quilting, thread painting, decorative stitching, hand embroidery, sashiko, big stitch hand quilting, crafts, and even hemming jeans. When using it on the machine the thicker thread will stand up from the fabric giving you a wonderful textural effect.

What size thread is best for sewing machines?

Thread size – If you find numbers on your sewing machine thread you should know that 60-90 is the average sewing thread size (for cotton and synthetic thread) and 50-60 for silk threads and the lower the thread number, the thicker the thread; you should not even attempt to use any thread which is lower than 20 size on ...

How does thread size work?

Thread sizes are given in nominal sizes, not in the actual measurement. The exact measurement is slightly below the named or nominal size. For example, a 6mm bolt may measure 5.8mm or 5.9mm, but it is called 6mm bolt. ... An example of an SAE thread is 9/16″ x 20 TPI (pedal threads).

What needle do I use for 60 thread?

60 threads should be used when a design calls for small lettering or fine detail. Always use a #65 needle and increase density when sewing with 60 weight thread.

What is the difference between 40 wt and 50 wt thread?

As you may have already guessed, the only key difference is the weight of thread and what that means. When discussing weight of thread, the smaller the number, the thicker the thread. ... In this case, the 40 wt thread is slightly thicker (heavier) than the 50 wt thread.

What size needle should I use?

A good rule of thumb is to choose the smallest size needle that pierces your fabric easily. A needle that is too big can leave holes in delicate fabrics. A needle that is too small can shred the thread or cause the needle to break.

What are 100 16 needles used for?

Large needle sizes – 100/16 and 120/18 – These are for heavyweight, tough fabrics, like thick leather, heavyweight canvas, and dense upholstery fabrics. They are used with heavyweight threads such as upholstery and topstitching threads.

What do needle size numbers mean?

In simple terms, the larger the number the thicker the needle. The smaller number relates to the American system and ranges from 8 to 20 and the larger number is for the European system and ranges from 60 to 120. Common sewing machine needle sizes are 60/8, 70/10, 75/11, 80/12, 90/14 and100/16.

What needle is best for hand sewing denim?

It is a good idea to have several denim needles on hand when you sew this material. The best size is #16 but you can use a #18 if your sewing machine allows that large of a needle.