Sewing Machine Needles – Plain Sewer

A sewing needle is what a paintbrush is for an artist. It's the contact point that brings thread to fabric to create hems, appliques, embroidery, and more. Although most sewing machine needles should be compatible with most machines, not all needles are the same. Choosing a high-quality, appropriate needle for the job can make unique tasks easier and help you achieve what you set out to do.

Schmetz Plain Sew Machine Needles. DBx1 16x231 287WH 1738A
Schmetz Plain Sew Machine Needles. DBx1 16x231 287WH 1738A
$6
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Schmetz Large Shank Plain Sewer Needles 135x5 DPx5 134 SY7225
Schmetz Large Shank Plain Sewer Needles 135x5 DPx5 134 SY7225
$6
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Groz-Beckert Plain Sewing Machine Needles. DBx1 16x231 16x257.
Groz-Beckert Plain Sewing Machine Needles. DBx1 16x231 16x257.
$7.50
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in theory, all sewing needles should be compatible with all sewing machines. However, on the odd occasion, certain brands require specific needles for optimal performance. If you're unsure, you can discuss this with our team.

Needles come in different shapes and sizes for various fabrics and stitching. The three key things to consider are needle type, needle point, and needle size.

  • Needle type: Different types are suited to different fabrics and uses; for example, leather needles are for working with leather.
  • Needle point: The point is the sharp tip of the needle that penetrates fabrics. Needle points vary in shape, which affects how the needle works.
  • Needle size: The size refers to the diameter of the shaft of the needle in imperial and metric units. Base your decision on the type and weight of fabric you are using. Refer to the products for sizing information.

Some sewing needles in NZ have two bands of colours. The top band indicates the needle type and the bottom one indicates the size. This helps you quickly identify needles in a messy storage system.

Cotton can vary in fabric type and weight, but generally, a sharp, light needle is best for sewing cotton. However, it really depends on what you are trying to achieve.

Schmetz Universal needles are designed to handle a broad range of woven and knit fabrics, making them a reliable all-rounder for most home sewing projects. They’re a good default choice if you’re not sure which type of needle to reach for, though speciality fabrics like leather or heavyweight denim are better matched to a needle designed specifically for that job.