Using the right sewing machine needle sizes and type for the project can mean the difference between broken threads, skipped stitches and a perfect professional looking seam.
How to Choose Sewing Machine Needle Sizes
Sewing needles are classed by 2 characteristics:
- Sewing machine needle sizes and the needle’s thickness. A thicker needle can sew through thicker fabrics.
- The needle’s purpose such as for sewing stretch fabrics or topstitching.
SEWING MACHINE NEEDLE SIZES
What do the numbers mean on sewing machine needles?
If you look at most needle packaging they will have 2 numbers on them with a / to divide them. For example 80/12. 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 sizes are 60/8, 70/10, 75/11, 80/12, 90/14 and100/16
What sewing machine needle size should I use for sewing?
The numbers on sewing machine needle packages represent the thickness of the fabric you are able to sew with the needles. The larger the numbers the thicker the fabric you can sew.
SEWING MACHINE NEEDLE CHART
Here we will look at some of the most common sewing machine needles and their uses.
How long do sewing needles last?
The lady in my local sewing shop is always telling me to replace the needle after 8 hours of sewing. Most sewing needle manufacturers will say 6-8 hours. This might seem like a short life span but needles are cheap and changing them frequently will result in better sewing.
If you accidentally hit a pin when sewing, then you should change the needle immediately as you will have damaged the tip.
Do you have any extra tips for choosing the right needle? I’d love your input. Please comment below.
Kristina says
Very helpful guide for the sewing machine needle sizes. Thank you.
Tava says
There are different colors on the top of the needles that I have. Do they correlate with the colors you have listed on your chart above?
Treasurie says
Hi Tava, if the colors are on the needles themselves, they probably relate to different sizes. Look up the brand needle you have and they should have a chart to help you. Thanks for reading.
Sue Howse says
Hello I have real problems with the needle breaking/sticking and thread skipping and breaking when I stitch velcro could you please offer some advice.
Thank you
Sue
Treasurie says
Hi Sue, While the thread skipping is a common problem, Velcro doesn’t normally break needles. I’m wondering if you are using a poor quality Velcro or one that is just too stiff. Does your Velcro have sticky backing? This sounds like a craft Velcro rather than a sewing one. For the thread skipping, make sure you are using a good quality thread and use small stitches. Stitch on the edge of the Velcro where there are not loops. Also try thicker needles and try a small zig-zag instead of straight stitch.