Selecting the Ideal Machine Embroidery Needle
Embroidering requires more than just a keen sense of design. Your choice of needle plays a pivotal role. Wondering why? The right needle ensures impeccable embroidery, considering factors like fabric texture, the stabilizer used, and thread selection. Combine these elements wisely, and your end result will look spectacularly professional!
Decoding the Anatomy of an Embroidery Needle
Let’s break down an embroidery needle’s parts. The topmost section is the shank, which secures into your machine, flat side facing the rear. Below the shank is the shaft – this cylindrical segment features a groove guiding the thread. The eye is where the thread enters, positioned close to the needle’s tip. There’s also the scarf, an unseen short groove crucial for stitch formation.
Embroidery vs. Sewing Machine Needle
Though sewing machine needles can be used for embroidery, there are needles tailor-made for embroidery tasks. What sets them apart? Embroidery needles boast a lengthier eye, broadened groove, and a unique scarf, crafted to accommodate embroidery threads. This design minimizes friction, preventing thread breakage. Depending on the situation, the right sewing needle can also prove beneficial. I’ll delve deeper into choosing the best kind soon.
Understanding Embroidery Needle Sizes
Embroidery needles range in size, with the most prevalent being 75/11, 80/12, and 90/14. The sizes are indicated as European followed by American measurements. As the number rises, the needle and its eye become thicker, ideal for dense fabrics and thicker threads. Conversely, lower numbers signify slender needles.
| European | American | Representation |
|---|---|---|
| 70 | 10 | 70/10 |
| 75 | 11 | 75/11 |
| 80 | 12 | 80/12 |
| 90 | 14 | 90/14 |
| 100 | 16 | 100/16 |
| 110 | 18 | 110/18 |
Varieties of Needle Tips
Embroidery needles come with three distinct point types: sharp, ballpoint, and universal. Sharp needles pierce dense fabrics effortlessly. Ballpoint ones gently push fabric fibers apart, ideal for knits. The universal type strikes a balance, working well on both woven and stretch fabrics. Unless specified, most machine embroidery needles are universal.
Needle Coatings
Certain embroidery needles feature gold or titanium coatings, enhancing their longevity and performance. Such needles remain sharp and generate minimal heat during high-speed operations. They’re a tad pricier but offer unmatched efficiency, especially with adhesive stabilizers.
Top Embroidery Needle Brands
I swear by Schmetz and Organ. Schmetz offers universal embroidery needles in popular sizes with an optional gold/titanium finish. Organ’s range is more diverse in terms of sizes and point types, including titanium-coated versions.
Steps to Pick the Right Embroidery Needle
1. Select a Needle Size: Consider fabric thickness and type. Start with 75/11 for medium fabrics, 90/14 for denser ones, and 70/10 for delicate fabrics. Ensure your thread and needle sizes match.
2. Opt for a Needle Point Type: Knit fabrics favor ballpoint or universal points, while woven fabrics prefer sharp or universal points. For ultra-dense fabrics like denim, a sharp needle works best. Unsure? Start with universal.
3. Consider Needle Coating: For dense fabrics, coated needles are a boon. The only downside might be their cost.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra pointers:
- Always refer to your machine’s manual before buying needles.
- Change needles regularly for consistent stitching.
- Always store needles in their original packaging to avoid mix-ups and damage.