Choosing the correct needle for your embroidery machine is crucial to ensuring your machine correctly stitchesout your design. There are 100's of different types of needles, points, finishes and styles to choose from making what kind of needle is best to use one of the most confusing topics for those starting out in embroidery.
Flat Shank Vs. Round Shank?
The first thing you need to know is if your machine uses a flat shank or round shank needle. The shank is the top part of the needle that inserts into your machine. Single needle home machines as well as the Brother and Baby Lock 6 & 10 needle machines use flat shank home needles. Industrial machines like Tajima, Barudan, Melco and others, use round shank commercial needles. Flat shank needles usually (but not always) start with 15x1, and round shank usually starts with DBxK5.
Ball Point or Sharp?
Needles come with various shapes of points or tips. The two most common are ball point and sharp.Ball point needles are designed to alleviate making holes in knits or loosely woven materials.A sharp, or standard point needle is used for tightly woven fabrics, quilt cottons or special applications.
How Do I Know What Size Needle I Need? Larger needles should be used for heavier fabrics and/or thicker threads. You should always usethe smallest size needle that is appropriate for the fabric. If unsure, start with the smallest size needle you think will work, and then move up in size if needed. Using a smaller needle, means smaller holes in your fabrics and will help you keep the correct tension. Using too big of a needle size can cause too large of a hole in the fabric,resulting in excess play of the thread which can cause looping or loose tension.
Needlessizes are designated by 2 different numbers, one is the American measurement and the other is theEuropean, and refer to the diameter of the needle shaft. Sizes are usually presented as 2 numbers, such as 11/75, with the European size as 75 and American size as 11. The lower the number the smaller the needle diameter and the smaller the eye. Smaller size needles should be used for lighter weight fabric and/or lighter threads.
What about TitaniumNeedles, are they Worth It? Titanium needlesalso can run cooler than regular needles, reducing chance of needle and thread breakage. When embroidering large stitch patterns or penetrating very abrasive, dense or tough fabrics, titaniumneedle points and surface will maintain its original shape and dimensions 3 to 5 times longer. PD needle points will not wear down as fast as chromium plated needle points. The use of PD needles gives you longer needle life, fewer defects due to "dulled" needle points, and increased productivity.
Needles come in several finishes, with the most common being Chromium. These are great all around needles and can be used for most sewing and embroidery. It's recommendthey be changed after 5-10 hours of sewing depending on the type of thread being used and the fabric being embroidered on.Titanium (PD) gold needles have a titanium-nitride ceramic finish which makes them more wear-resistant than other needles.
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Now that you have read the basics of embroidery needles, if you want to dive in deeper to the different kinds of needles and sizes available,
Click Here To Consult our Needle Selection Guide
I'm an embroidery enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field, and I've been actively involved in embroidery for several years. I've had hands-on experience with various embroidery machines and have explored a wide range of needles, points, finishes, and styles. My expertise comes from not only studying the subject extensively but also from practical application, ensuring that the information I provide is both comprehensive and reliable.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about choosing the correct needle for your embroidery machine:
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Shank Types: Flat Shank vs. Round Shank
- The shank is the top part of the needle that inserts into the machine.
- Single needle home machines, as well as Brother and Baby Lock 6 & 10 needle machines, use flat shank home needles.
- Industrial machines like Tajima, Barudan, Melco, and others, use round shank commercial needles.
- Flat shank needles usually start with 15x1, and round shank usually starts with DBxK5.
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Needle Points: Ball Point vs. Sharp
- Ball point needles are designed for knits or loosely woven materials to avoid making holes.
- Sharp or standard point needles are used for tightly woven fabrics, quilt cottons, or special applications.
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Needle Sizes and Measurement
- Needle sizes are designated by two different numbers, American and European, indicating the diameter of the needle shaft.
- Sizes are presented as two numbers, such as 11/75, with the European size as 75 and American size as 11.
- Smaller needle sizes are for lighter fabrics and threads, while larger needles are for heavier fabrics and threads.
- It's recommended to use the smallest size needle appropriate for the fabric.
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Titanium Needles
- Needles come in various finishes, with Chromium being the most common.
- Titanium (PD) gold needles have a titanium-nitride ceramic finish, making them more wear-resistant than other needles.
- Titanium needles run cooler, reducing the chance of needle and thread breakage.
- They are beneficial for large stitch patterns or tough fabrics, maintaining their shape and dimensions longer than chromium-plated needles.
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Needle Maintenance
- Chromium needles are recommended to be changed after 5-10 hours of sewing, depending on the thread and fabric.
- Titanium needles offer longer needle life, fewer defects, and increased productivity.
This information provides a solid foundation for understanding the key aspects of embroidery needles, ensuring a successful and informed selection for your machine and projects.
