Sewing Machine Needles

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

Using the right needle is paramount to your sewing. Industrial sewing machines need specific needle types and there are 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.

If you need a little extra support choosing the correct sewing machine needles for your machine, read our helpful guide. Contact us today to find out more about our products and get the personalised assistance you require when buying any products from Sewingtime.

Categories of Sewing Needles


Do sewing machine needles fit all machines?

Yes, in theory, all sewing machine needles should be compatible with all sewing machines. However, on odd occasions, there are certain brands that require specific needles for optimal performance. This is something you can discuss with our team if you are at all unsure.


How do I know what sewing machine needle to use?

Needles come in different shapes and sizes suited to various types of fabrics and stitching. Three things you need to consider are the needle type, the needle point and the 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. These vary in shape which influences how the needle works.

• Needle size: The size refers to the diameter of the shaft of the needle in imperial and metric. You should base your decision depending on the type of fabric you are using and the weight of the fabric. Refer to products for sizing information.


What do the colours on sewing machine needles mean?

Some sewing machine needles have two bands of colours. The top band indicates the needle type and the bottom one indicates the size. This is useful for being able to quickly decipher needles in a messy storage system.


What size needle do you use for cotton?

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