About Universal Sewing Machine Needles
Universal sewing machine needles are designed to work with a wide range of fabrics and sewing techniques.
They are the most common type of sewing machine needle and are often included with sewing machines when they are purchased.
Universal needles have a slightly rounded point and are suitable for use with most fabrics, including cotton, linen, and silk.
They can be used for both straight and zigzag stitching and are a good choice for general sewing projects.
What 80 12 sewing needles are used for
80/12 sewing needles are for use in 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.
The best universal sewing needle size
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.
They come in sizes ranging from 60/8 to 120/19, however, a good starting point is the 80/12 size.
To save money, look for assorted needle packs that include two or three different needle sizes.
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 work with any household sewing machine brand.
Brocade, fleece, thin leather and velvet also work well with 70 10 needles.
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 I use, and see others using, are universal 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
Singer sewing machines use the same needles
Singer quality-crafted machine needles are strong and durable enough for denim fabric hems or industrial zippers.
Intended for all-purpose use, with regular point needles for use on woven fabrics, Singer needles are universal, super-strong and fit all home sewing machines.
The best sewing machine needles
- Groz-Beckert Sewing Machine Needles
- Schmetz Universal – Size 75/11
- Singer Multi 4758 Heavy Duty Machine Needles
- Honeysew Blue, Purple, Red Tip Needles
- 50 Schmetz Universal Sewing Machine Needles
- Organ Flat Shank – size 70/10
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.
Needle type that works best on batting
A quilting needle works best on batting because it has a thin shaft. Machine quilting with a quilting needle is ideal for pushing through top, batting and binding materials.
The slightly rounded tip and tapered shaft of a quilting needle easily pierces several layers of woven fabric, without damaging them.
