Choosing the right needle for your sewing machine can seem like a daunting task for beginner sewists. Fear not! It’s not as difficult a task as it seems at first. The right needle is just as important as the fabric and thread that you choose, so here is a little information to make choosing the right needle a little easier.
Sewing machine needles come in a range of sizes: 8-20 (these are the American sizes) and 60-120 (these are the European sizes). An American 8 is the same as a European 60; 10 is the same as 70; 12 is the same as 80; etc. 8/60 are the smallest and 20/120 are the largest. Generally speaking, the thinner and finer your fabric, the smaller the needle you will choose. The heavier your fabric, the larger the needle size you will need. For instance, when working with a fine chiffon you would choose a small needle such as an 8/60. When working with a heavy upholstery fabric, you would choose a larger needle size like 20/120.
The next step in choosing the right needle is to look at what kind of project you are doing and what kind of fabric you are sewing on.
The thread you are using also affects your needle choice, however, if you choose your needle based on the project you generally don’t have to worry about it. For instance, embroidery needles have a larger eye to make sure that specialty embroidery threads don’t fray. Topstitching needles also have a larger eye to allow for the heavier threads you may use.
For more a more in-depth look at choosing the right needle, have a look at the Schmetz Needles website.
What are your favourite tips for choosing the right needle?
It’s that time of year again… The time to start your Christmas projects so that they are done in time for the holidays! Join Nancy Riemersma for this 2-hour class and go home with a great Christmas stocking. $30 includes all supplies and the class.
Surrey/Langley: Thursday, Nov. 14, 6 – 8pm
Keep warm with this beautiful Statement Shawl. Come in for our virtual club where you will learn all about the techniques, accessories, and more used to make this one-size-fits-all shawl. You will be able to try out the techniques on our machines and accessories, have coffee/tea, and have a great time with other sewists at this months Virtual Bernina Club. $15
Surrey/Langey: Saturday, Nov. 16, 10 – 12pm
Abbotsford: Saturday, Nov. 9th, 2 – 4pm
Have you completed a few quilts and are now ready to take your quilts from good to great? Borders can be the answer! Look at a variety of border treatments with Jean Jones and learn how to construct a border with mitered corners and more. Suitable for a confident quilter. $32 plus supplies.
Surrey/Langley: Saturday, Nov. 16, 1 – 5pm
Abbotsford: Friday, Nov. 15, 10 – 2pm
Learn how getting a perfect binding can be sew easy in this quilting class. Jean Jones will guide you through applying bindings to both straight and curved quilt edges. You’ll learn how to turn corners cleanly and join the binding ends invisibly. Suitable for all skill levels. $32 plus supplies.
Surrey/Langley: Saturday, Nov. 23, 1 – 5pm
Abbotsford: Thursday, Nov. 21, 5 – 9pm
Surrey/Langley: 604-575-9028
Abbotsford: 604-853-8930