Sewing Machine Needles

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 Jeans Domestic Needle
Schmetz Jeans Domestic Needle
$5.50
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Schmetz General Purpose Domestic Needle Universal
Schmetz General Purpose Domestic Needle Universal
$5.50
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Schmetz Leather Domestic Needle
Schmetz Leather Domestic Needle
$6
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Schmetz Ballpoint (Jersey) Domestic Needle
Schmetz Ballpoint (Jersey) Domestic Needle
$6
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Schmetz Quilting Domestic Needle
Schmetz Quilting Domestic Needle
$8
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Schmetz Domestic Lockstich Needle Super Stretch
Schmetz Domestic Lockstich Needle Super Stretch
$5.80
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Schmetz Domestic Quick Threading Needle
Schmetz Domestic Quick Threading Needle
Please enquire
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Schmetz Plain Sew Machine Needles. DBx1 16x231 287WH 1738A
Schmetz Plain Sew Machine Needles. DBx1 16x231 287WH 1738A
$6
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Schmetz Plain Sew Machine Medium Ballpoint Needles.
Schmetz Plain Sew Machine Medium Ballpoint Needles.
$6
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Schmetz Plainsew Large Size Small Shank. 16x95 1738A 287WH.
Schmetz Plainsew Large Size Small Shank. 16x95 1738A 287WH.
$6
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Schmetz 16X230, 1738 Plainsew Leather Needles
Schmetz 16X230, 1738 Plainsew Leather Needles
$9
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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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Schmetz Walking Foot Machine Needles 135x17 SY3355 DPx17
Schmetz Walking Foot Machine Needles 135x17 SY3355 DPx17
$10.20
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Schmetz Walking Foot Needles. 216x1, CYx1 ,SY5011.
Schmetz Walking Foot Needles. 216x1, CYx1 ,SY5011.
$28.80
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Schmetz Walking Foot Needles. 328R, 428, 214x1 ,DDx1.
Schmetz Walking Foot Needles. 328R, 428, 214x1 ,DDx1.
$17.50
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Schmetz Walking Foot Leather Needles. 328LR, 428LR, 214x2RTW ,DDX2LR
Schmetz Walking Foot Leather Needles. 328LR, 428LR, 214x2RTW ,DDX2LR
$18
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Schmetz Large Machine Walking Foot Needles. 794 , SY5213 , 7X3 DYx3.
Schmetz Large Machine Walking Foot Needles. 794 , SY5213 , 7X3 DYx3.
$19
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Schmetz Industrial Overlocker Needles. B27 MY1023 UY191GS DCx27
Schmetz Industrial Overlocker Needles. B27 MY1023 UY191GS DCx27
$9
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Schmetz Curved Overlock Needles. UY154GAS 1431-05
Schmetz Curved Overlock Needles. UY154GAS 1431-05
$23
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Schmetz Blind Hemmer Needles. 29-BL, LWx6T, LWx2T.
Schmetz Blind Hemmer Needles. 29-BL, LWx6T, LWx2T.
$32
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Schmetz Coverseamer Needles. UY128GAS SY7294.
Schmetz Coverseamer Needles. UY128GAS SY7294.
$11
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Schmetz Bag Sewing Machine Needles. D5 SY7320 35:18.
Schmetz Bag Sewing Machine Needles. D5 SY7320 35:18.
$23
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Schmetz Button Sewing Machine Needles. 29S 1985 175x1 TQx1
Schmetz Button Sewing Machine Needles. 29S 1985 175x1 TQx1
$6.90
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Schmetz Blind Hemming Machine Needles. 251LG 300 LWx5T
Schmetz Blind Hemming Machine Needles. 251LG 300 LWx5T
$25
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Schmetz Walking Foot Leather Needles. 135x16, DPx16
Schmetz Walking Foot Leather Needles. 135x16, DPx16
$11.90
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Schmetz Needles for Pfaff Walking Foot Machines 134-35
Schmetz Needles for Pfaff Walking Foot Machines 134-35
$9.90
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Newlong Style Portable Bag Sewing Needles. UY143GS DNX1 UOX143G
Newlong Style Portable Bag Sewing Needles. UY143GS DNX1 UOX143G
$20
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Schmetz 190, MTX190, SY7555 Needles
Schmetz 190, MTX190, SY7555 Needles
$10
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Schmetz 190LR Needle
Schmetz 190LR Needle
$9
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Schmetz DBxK5 Embroidery Machine Needles
Schmetz DBxK5 Embroidery Machine Needles
$7
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Categories of Sewing Needles

Using the right needle is paramount to your sewing. Industrial sewing machines need specific needle types, with different shapes and sizes suited to different fabrics and stitching styles. The System Number is dependent on the thread you use, so make sure the SN matches your current packet.

Getting this right matters, whether you’re sewing for an occasional home project or need sewing machine needles in NZ to keep a busy workroom running. The wrong needle, or the wrong system number, can mean skipped stitches, snagged fabric, or a needle that snaps mid-seam.

If you need a little extra support choosing the right sewing machine needles for your setup, read our helpful guide or contact us to learn more about our products and get personalised support.

Choosing the Right Sewing Needles for Your Machine

The two things that determine the right needle for the job are your machine type and your fabric. Home machines call for needles sized and shaped for typical garment and craft fabrics, while production work on a commercial setup calls for needles built to a different system number or tolerance, matched to the higher speeds and heavier duties of an industrial machine.

Whichever you own, from domestic sewing machines to industrial sewing machines, always check the system number (SN) on the needle packet against what your machine and thread require. A mismatched system number is one of the most common (and avoidable) causes of skipped stitches and thread breakage.

Searching for sewing machine needles near you? We ship nationwide, so no matter where you’re based in New Zealand, you can order online and have your needles on the way in no time, alongside compatible Juki sewing machines and accessories.

Schmetz Universal Sewing Machine Needles

Among the most popular choices across our range are Schmetz Universal sewing machine needles, a versatile option that performs well across woven and knit fabrics alike. They're a reliable starting point if you're not sure which needle type your project calls for, and they pair well with our sewing thread range for a clean, consistent stitch.

Not sure which needle suits your fabric or machine? Call us on 0800 541 691 or visit our Auckland or Christchurch showroom for help from our team.

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.

Find the Right Needle for Your Machine

We operate nationwide, so wherever you are in New Zealand, you’ll get access to the same specialist knowledge and product range our customers rely on. Contact Sewingtime today to find the right sewing machine needles near you suited to your project.