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How to Determine the Type of Sewing Needle for Fabric

Using the correct needle for your project will ensure you don̵7;t have any missed threads, bobbin issues or broken needles while sewing. Needles come in multiple shapes, sizes, lengths and styles to complete any type of project with any type of fabric. Both hand needles and sewing-machine needles are marked with the same numbering system. Larger needles will have a higher number and are intended for thicker or difficult-to-sew fabrics.

Instructions

- 1
  Check the size of the needle. The needle will be marked in European sizes, American sizes or both. If it's marked in both, the number will have a number similar to 60/8, with the European size listed first.
- 2
  Locate a needle that's marked for the kind of fabric you're sewing. Some needles are marked for denim, embroidery or leather. Not all needles are marked by fabric category, but using one marked this way is a good idea if you're not sure what size needle you need. The most delicate fabrics will require a 60/8 needle, which is the thinnest. Leather will require a 120/19, which is the thickest.
- 3
  Examine the size of the needle's eye and make sure that your thread can pass through it. Some needles will have a very small eye; others have a long, narrow eye to accommodate various types of thread. The thread should be able to be pulled smoothly through the eye of the needle to avoid catching and breaking as you're sewing.
- 4
  Test the needle on a scrap piece of fabric or in an unnoticeable area to see how large a hole it leaves behind. If the hole doesn't close and is too noticeable, you'll need to find a smaller needle. For hand-sewing, pass the entire needle, while it's not threaded, through the cloth. This will help you determine if the eye is too large and will damage the fabric.

Sewing