The Best Universal Sewing Needle Size
by Kelsi Watts: The slightly rounded points of the best universal needles are sharp enough to pierce woven cotton fabrics but not so sharp as to damage knits.
It is difficult to say which is the best universal sewing needle size, as the appropriate size will depend on the specific project and the type of fabric being used.
In general, a size 8 or 9 sewing needle is a good starting point for most sewing projects, as these sizes are versatile and can be used with a wide range of fabrics. It is always best to consult the pattern or instructions for your project to determine the best needle size to use.
It may also be helpful to experiment with different needle sizes to see which one works best for your specific project and fabric.
Most sewing machine needles are universal
The three most common types of needles are sharp, ballpoint, and universal. Sharp needles work with all woven fabric. A sharp point is especially helpful when sewing straight lines and tasks such as top stitching. The majority of needles are universal needles.
About universal sewing machine needles
Style 2020 needles are universal and used for all woven fabrics. 2020 needles will penetrate the fabric threads of woven fabrics. Style 2045 ball point needles are used for sewing on knits, the rounded tip allows the needle to pass between the fabric threads by separating them.
What 80 12 sewing needles are used for
80/12 sewing needles are for use ball point applications with all-purpose thread. Ball point needles are made especially for sewing T-shirt and jersey fabric. Ball point tips don’t damage or break fibers when they pierce these types of fabric.
Sewing machine needles that work on leather
Cutting point sewing machine needles work well on heavy leather materials. For lighter weight leather something like an R point Groz-Beckert sewing needle works well. R point needles are considered sharp enough to punch through light leather quite easily.
What 70 10 sewing needles are for
70 10 sewing needles have a slightly rounded point and are best for projects with woven fabric and knits. 70 10 needles are excellent all purpose needles that works with any household sewing machine brand. Brocade, fleece, thin leather and velvet also work well with 70 10 needles.
Embroidery needles vs sewing needles
Embroidery needles have larger eyes than regular sewing needles to accommodate embroidery thread. The sharp tips on embroidery needles penetrate tightly woven fabric and felt better. Embroidery needles, sometimes called crewel needles, are used for crewel embroidery
About size 11 sewing machine needles
Size 11 needles work well on light-medium weight knit fabrics and are the recommended needle size for light to medium weight embroidery. Size 11 works especially well when quilting with polyester thread. A size 11 needle should be part of a good basic sewing kit.
How to tell your sewing needle is dull
A dull sewing needle will make a popping sound each time the needle penetrates the fabric. A dull needle will not feel sharp to the touch. Using a magnifying glass you can confirm a needle is dull by comparing it to a sharp needle. You can sharpen a dull needle with the same sharpeners used on knives.
What 80 11 needles are used for
Singer regular point needles are used for standard stitching performed by a home machine. Needles of size 80/11 are best used with lightweight woven fabrics and can be used by Singer, Brother, Kenmore and other quality sewing machines.
