Needle Facts

We carry over 100 sizes and types of needles. Here is some information on needle types, sizes and more.

Needle Types

Most household sewing machines use a 130/705H(15x1H) needle.


Fun Fact: Did you know the "H" stands for Hohlkehle, which is German for scarf?

    Needle Types Needle Types Needle Types
    Matching Needle Size to Thread Matching Needle Size to Thread Matching Needle Size to Thread

  • Universal Needle

    This needle has a slightly rounded point and is good for most everyday sewing. Comes in sizes 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, 110, & 120 in packs of 5 or boxes of 100.

  • Embroidery Needle

    This needle has a larger eye and a small ball point to avoid damaging the already embroidered area and the fabric. The needle comes in regular coating or Titanium coating. Comes in sizes 75, 90.

  • Metallic Needle

    This needle has a very long eye and a special groove to handle metallic thread. Comes in sizes 80, 90, 100.

  • Top Stitch Needle

    This needle has a larger groove and longer eye for thicker top stitching thread. Comes in sizes 80, 90, 100.

  • Microtex Needle

    The needle has a very slim point for easier piercing of very fine or densely woven fabrics. Comes in sizes 60, 70, 80, 90.

  • Jeans Needle

    This needle has a slim point for penetration of thick fabrics and a reinforced blade for less needle deflection. Comes in sizes 70, 80, 90, 100, 110.

  • Quilting Needle

    This needle has a slim slightly rounded point to penetrate thick layers of fabric. Comes in sizes 75 and 90.

  • Hemstitch Needle

    This needle has a wing on each side of the blade which pushes the fabric aside to give you the hemstitch look on loosely woven fabrics. Comes in sizes 100 and 120.

  • Twin/Triple Needle

    These needles have two or three needles on one shank for sewing two or three rows of stitches. They come in a variety of widths, types, and sizes.

  • 60/8

    100 weight silk and polyester invisible thread

  • 70/10

    100 weight thread

  • 80/12

    50 weight thread

  • 90/14

    40 weight thread

  • 100/16

    30 weight thread and thicker

More Needle Information

There are lots of variables when it comes to choosing the right needle size. Things like thread type and weight, fabric, number of layers and more. As a general rule, the needle eye should be 40% larger than the thread.

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Troubleshooting

I am having thread breaking, skipping stitches, or tension problems, what do I do?

Most of the time, re-threading the top and bobbin solve those issues.

I tried re-threading and I am still having issues. What next?

The next most common issue is a dull needle. We see a lot of machines where the needle hasn't been changed in many projects. Try replacing the needle with a new one. Under normal sewing, you should change your needle after 8 hours of sewing.

I have re-threaded and changed the needle and my machine is still not working correctly.

Unfortunately, then you will have to bring the machine in for us to take a look at. Often times we can do a counter repair and get you back sewing that same day. If we can't fix your machine at the counter, we can give you a free estimate on the repair cost.