When it comes to sewing machine needles…Size does matter! Sharpness also matters. As I was reading my instruction manual for my new (Bernina) machine I found out some important facts about sewing machine needles.

The most commonly sold needle size numbers range from #70’s to #120’s. The finer the needle, the lower the number. For example a #80 needle is what you use with mercerized cotton or synthetic thread…a #120 for buttonhole thread.

The problem for some of us quilters is that if we are in the mood to sew and do not have the right needle…we might just use any old needle we have in our stash. (Ok, I admit I have done it lots of times—I don’t really pay attention to such details and just want to sew!—my bad-I have changed my ways.)  But, don't do it.  Get the right needle for the right project.

According to my manual, the needle really needs to be suitable for the thread. And the thread suitable for the project. “ When sewing the thread runs in the long groove on the needle. If the needle is too fine, the groove will be too narrow for the thread and faulty stitching or thread breakage can occur”, so says my manual.

For some of us, we do not change a needle in our sewing machine unless it breaks. You should replace your needle after it has been used for several projects.

I taught a quilting class the other day and I shared that bit of information about changing out your needle with my students…One of my students admitted that she had never changed her needle since she bought her machine three years before.

Needles bend. Needles get blunt. Needles need to be changed regularly.

I did some needle research for you. The useful information below is from River2u.com, a common sense guide.  Take a minute and read it.

If you do a lot of sewing by machine, you will want to have a selection of needles for use on different projects or materials. In addition, to ensure top quality stitching, replace your sewing machine's needles when they become dull --- usually after they have been used for several projects.

Sewing machine needles (unlike serger needles) are standardized so selecting what needle to use depends on the fabric, thread, and type of stitching you want to do. Here are some things to consider when choosing needles:
-Match the needle point to the fabric
- for general sewing on medium weight fabrics, use a universal point
- delicate fabrics that run when snagged need a rounded point while heavy fabrics need an acute point. Leather and suede need a wedge point for good piercing capability while stretchable fabrics need a ballpoint.
- the weight of the fabric determines what size (strength) needle to use. Delicate fabrics need a finer, more slender needle, while heavy fabrics need larger, stronger needles that won't break while sewing
- always consult a needle selection guide (chart) which shows what type and size of needle to use
- When using heavy thread or metallic thread, look for a needle made to be used with them so the thread won't fray or break while sewing
- For a professional stitching appearance when doing topstitching, quilting, embroidery, or hemming, use a needle made for that kind of sewing.
-Lastly, keeping your needles in a needle organizer will make identification of the different needles easier since the various types of needles are difficult to identify when lying side by side.


Keep Changing--that needle! Happy sewing.

Update: I found some more resources (Check the comments sections for links) to help you pick the right needle for the right job. And reader, Kim found this great one from Fabricland.