FAQ about sewing machine needles

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FAQ about sewing machine needles

We get al lot of questions about sewing machine needles, that is why we answer the Frequently asked questions below. Doe you have a question that is not answered here? Contact us and we will gladly answer any questions you might have! You can contact us by phone, Whatsapp, Signal and email… The first question about sewing machine needles:

What does size 80/12 mean

Size 80/12 tells you the size of the sewing machine needle. The 80 is the NM designation, based upon the metric system. The 12 is used in English speaking and Asian countries, who use the imperial system. Size 80/12 is frequently used by people who sew as a hobby and is suitable for normal fabrics. For knitted and stretch fabrics we recommend using Jersey needles or Stretch needles. More information about sewing machine needle sizes here: Schmetz color codes Here is a good question about sewing machine needles:

What kinds of needles are there

There are many different types of sewing machine needles which makes it difficult to choose. Don’t panic, there is an easy way to find the right type. Often the name of the sewing machine needle says a lot:

• • Universal needle: for most fabrics

• • Stretch needle: for stretch fabrics and highly elastic knitted fabrics

• • Superstretch needle: like the stretch needle but suitable for thicker threads, thin fake leather and overlocking machines

• • Leather needle: for stitching leather, firm fake leather and plastic

• • Jersey needle: for knitted fabrics

• • Microtex needle: for tightly woven fabrics and fine sensitive fabrics

• • Topstitching needle: for topstitching with thicker threads

• • Jeans needle: for denim, jeans and firm fabrics

• • needles for embroidery, special coated needles, etc.

For more information about sewing machine needles and assistance in choosing the right sewing machine needle, click here:

Which size needle should I use

The size of the needle is adjusted to the fabric used. The HIGHER the size number, the THICKER the needle. If you wish to sew a jeans without stretch and the chosed fabric is not very bulky then you can choose jeans needle size 80/12. Go for 90/14 when your fabric is firm and stiffer like when sewing canvas. Want more information about sewing machine needle sizes and what the mean, click here A good question about sewing machine needles:

Does every sewing machine needle fit my sewing machine

The short answer is yes! Although there are a few exceptions. Most household sewing machines can handle every kind of sewing machine needle. If your machine requires special needles, look at your manual it will be stated there. The Schmetz needle manufacturer has standardized his products with a straight side on the shank to insure correct placement in your sewing machine. An overlocking machine or a coverlock machine usually take special needles. Unsure which type to use, please consult your manual. When special needles are needed it will be stated here. A FAQ about sewing machine needles:

How often do I change my sewing machine needle

Replacing a sewing machine needle, what is het correct time to do that? Often your sewing machine tells you when it is time. Listen to the sound your sewing machine makes: is it louder than normal and does it bang every time the needle goes through the fabric? Usually the tip of the needle will be gone, it can have broken off and the needle is blunt. If your sewing machine it skipping stitches, this can also be a needle problem. First check if you placed the right type of needle in the machine, if this is the case then your needle will be worn. Replace the needle for a brand new one and check to see if the problem is solved. If the sewing machine continues to skip stitches you probably have chosen the wrong needle for the fabric you are using, check our Needle Choosing Aid for more information.

TIP: having trouble with stitch skipping, thread roll ups, needle breakage, etcetera, use a Microtex needle in the sewing machine. This needle is suited for many fabrics that are tightly woven and sewing machine needles have a hard time going through.

A sewing machine needle lasts 8 working hours before it needs to be replaced

A statement by the Schmetz needle manufacturer. It does not mean that when you place the needle in the sewing machine at 8 AM, it is worn at 4 PM! Thank goodness! It means that the lifespan of a sewing machine needle is about 8 hours of sewing time. When the needle has worked for 8 hours straight it is worn. Sometimes you will notice that the needle is worn earlier en you will replace the needle sooner. If you are like me and have no idea how long the sewing machine needle has worked, pay attention to the problem points in the last paragraph. That is a good guide. When in doubt: replace your needle! Want to be absolutely sure that you are working with a brand new sewing machine needle, you can replace it when you start a new project… This question definately belongs on this page of FAQ about sewing machine needles:

What does SUK mean in sewing machine needles

The letters SUK on a package of sewing machine needles tell you that this are needles for knitted fabrics. Most people are familiar with jersey. That is an example of a knitted fabric. Want more information about different kinds of fabric? Check out our Spreadsheet Fabrics in Categories and you will kind more knitted fabrics Have a question that’s not listed here? Please contact us, we will gladly answer any question you might have! Or read on of our other pages:

• • Sewingmachine needles Black Super

• • Identifying Sewing machine needles

• • Sewing tools you can’t live without

• • Interlining Choosing Aid

• • Combination of needles and threads with fabrics

• • Privacy statement Beauty VoF

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