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L’needle is perhaps the smallest and least valuable part of a sewing machine in terms of economic value, but it is the indispensable tool for its operation. A kind of heart without which even the rest of the machine would not make sense! However, all needles are not the same and differ mainly in their function of use, which also characterizes their shape.
Their cost is rather insignificant (they average a few euros per pack), but choosing the right one is essential to the success of the final work. So let's see in this brief roundup which are the most popular needles and what kind of work they are used for.
Sewing machine needles: types and functions
Let us start with the most common needle, namely the universal needle. It owes its name to the fact that it can be used for all common seams. Beware, however: this type of needle is not designed for a specific use and is therefore not suitable for use on particular materials such as jeans, leathers or very thin fabrics. Its point is slightly blunt and the surface is very smooth so that it can easily penetrate the fabric. Usually this type of needle comes with the sewing machine. Especially those who are new to the world of sewing machines normally do not need to replace it with another type, precisely because it suits the most common seams.
“Ball point” needles, also sometimes referred to as jersey needles are designed specifically for use with stretch or knitted fabrics. The tip of the needle is rather rounded precisely so as not to damage or tear the fabric during sewing. In fact, this type of fabric could be damaged if sewing machines with universal needles are used.
For strecht tissues there are also specific needles characterized by this very designation. Depending on the thickness of the needle, the rounding of the needle tip will also increase.
Thicker fabrics, such as denim or jeans, on the other hand, require needles designed to pierce this type of fabric quickly (and without the risk of jamming or breaking). There are sewing machine needles on the market called precisely jeans, which are made of a stiffer steel than universal needles and are perfect for this type of sewing.
Another type of needle designed for a specific use is one created for stitching leather. It usually has this wording on the package (or alternatively is referred to as “leather”). These are needles characterized by a triangular point, high strength and precision, designed to penetrate leather without, however, ruining the surface being sewn in any way.
The perfect needle: a simple rule
For Choose the needle to use on all sewing machines However, a very simple rule applies that can be applied to any type of sewing fabric. The thicker the fabric, the thicker the needle will also need to be. If fabrics such as silk, chiffon or organza need very thin needles, it follows that thicker materials such as denim, velvet especially if corduroy or leathers will need thicker needles.
There are also needles like the one in the image above, called 'twin' needles.
These needles allow you to make parallel stitching and are available in various sizes, both in terms of the thickness of the single needle and the distance between the two.
Usually the directions on needle packages are very intuitive and unambiguous, but if in doubt, however, you can always refer to your trusted retailer or website for ad hoc advice!
