Machine Sewing Needles Information

  

Our machine sewing needles information page is aimed toward helping machine sewing enthusiasts find the best suited needles in the simplest way possible. Needles have a rather complex maze of systems, sizes, tips, terminology, and other details at first. Over time, they can be relatively easy to select in the long-run--especially if the nature of the sewing is somewhat consistent.

There are 3 main factors to consider when selecting needles--The needle system, the needle size, and tip.































































































































Needle Systems

The needle system in the most basic term is the needle "type". Sewing machine manuals provide this information. There are numerous needle system designations. Knowing the right needle system is important, because machines often require specific needle systems to fit in to the machine properly.

Needle systems can be the most complicated part of understanding needles, because of their alphanumeric codes. To further complicate matters, they have interchangeability with other alphanumeric codes, and are not interchangeable with others. We sell Organ brand needles, and we base our needle systems off of their primarily labeling.

This is a typical pack of Organ machine sewing needles. Note the primary needle system (HA X 1) is in a larger font. The numbers below that are secondary, or alternate designations. This needle system is also known as 130/705H, and 15X1. They all indicate the same needle system. The system HA X 1) is used in almost all modern home sewing machines. The chart below shows the needle systems we carry, alternate systems, and shared compatability with other systems

Primary

Secondary (Packaging)

Other Systems

Description

HA X 1

130/705H

15X1

206X15

SY2020

SY2031

PF X 130

Universal needle system for most home sewing machines. Also used in home embroidery machines. Flat shank.
 

DB X K5

Very Basic

Very Basic

Standard needle for most commercial embroidery machines. Round shank.
 

DP X 5

 

135X5

134R/1955

 

 

135X7
135X11
 797

DPX7

SY1901
SY1905
SY6790
DPX134

Needle for industrial sewing machines. For buttonholing and zig-zag stitching. Round shank.
 
 

DB X 1

16X231

16X257

1738

-

Lockstitch needle for industrial machines. Round shank.
 
       

DB X 95

287WH

16X95

SY1515

1738 A

71x1

Normally used in single needle industrial lockstitch machines. Round shank
 
       

DP X 16DIA

135X16DIA

-

Leather needle with a diamond point, and round shank.
 
       

DP X 17

135X17

SY3355

-

Needle for heavier weight canvas and fabric. Round shank.

DB X F2

16X257LR

1738LR

  

Leather Needle. Round shank.

DB-F42

16x257LR

16x95LR

  

Leather lockstitch needle. Round shank.

DP X 35R

134-35 (R)

2134-35 (R)

SY7225

134-35

Needle for heavier weight canvas and fabric. Round shank.
       

Needle Sizes

Once the correct needle system is determined, it is important to determine the right size. Selecting the needle size depends on your sewing machine's capability limits, and the thread size being used. There are numerous needle sizing standards, but by far, the two most common are U.S. and Metric as shown below. Normally, needle packages use both U.S. and Metric standards. For cross-referencing other size standards, click here

Needle Sizes - Thinnest to Thickest - Home Sewing Sizes

US
Metric
Universal

4
40
 40/4

5
45
45/5

6
50
50/6

7
55
55/7

8
60
60/8

9
65
65/9

10
70
70/10

11
75
75/11

US
Metric
Universal

12
80
80/12

13
85
85/13

14
90
90/14

15
95
95/15

16
100
100/16

18*
110
110/18

*Size 18 may be too large for some home sewing machines.
Needle Sizes - Thinnest to Thickest - Commercial and Heavy Duty Sizes

US
Metric
Universal

19
120
120/19

20
125
125/20

21
130
130/21

22
140
140/22

23
160
160/23

24
180
180/24

25
200
 200/25

26
230
230/26

Needle size selection is a balancing act as summerized below. A larger needle makes a larger hole, and this weakens material. But, a larger needle has more strength, which allows it to go through thicker and denser materials, also allowing for heavier thread, to sew stronger seams.

     

How Needle Size Affects

Smaller Needle

Larger Needle

Hole Puncture

Makes a smaller hole puncture

Makes a larger hole puncture

Material

Less damage and weakening

More damage and weakening

Needle

More likely to break

Less likely to break

Thread

Ues thinner and weaker thread

Uses thicker and stronger thread

Seams

Weaker seams

Stronger seams

Machine

Less powerful

More powerful

   

Machine Needle Tips and Points

The needle tip is the first part of the needle that comes in contact with the material being sewn. The point is basically an extension of the tip. They are specially shaped to provide penetration that will minimize damage to materials. For example, a leather needle has a wedge-shaped point that is designed to pierce it most effectively. If a leather needle is being used to sew a knit-type fabric, it will likely cut more fibers than necessary, resulting in a less desireable appearance and compromised strength.