Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations
The machine needle and thread that should be used depends on the type and thickness of the fabric. Refer to the following table when choosing the thread and needle appropriate for the fabric that you wish to sew.
- The combinations shown in the table provide a general guideline. Be sure to sew trial stitches on the actual number of layers and type of fabric to be used in your project.
- The machine needles are consumables. For safety and best results, we recommend replacing the needle regularly. For details on when to replace the needle, refer to Changing the Needle.
Fabric Type/Application
Thread
Size of needle
Stitch length
mm (inch)Type
Weight
Lightweight fabrics
Lawn, georgette, challis, organdy, crepe, chiffon, voile, gauze, tulle, lining, etc.
Polyester
thread60 - 90
65/9 - 75/11
Fine stitches
1.8-2.5
(approx.1/16-3/32)Cotton thread,
Silk thread50 - 80
Medium weight fabrics
Broadcloth, taffeta, gabardine, flannel, seersucker, double gauze, linen, terry cloth, waffle weave, sheeting, poplin, cotton twill, satin, quilting cotton, etc.
Polyester
thread60 - 90
75/11 - 90/14
Regular stitches
2.0-3.0
(approx.1/16-1/8)Cotton thread,
Silk thread50 - 60
Heavyweight fabrics
Denim (12 ounces or more), canvas, etc.
Polyester
thread,
Cotton thread30
100/16
Coarse stitches
2.5-4.0
(approx.3/32-3/16)Denim (12 ounces or more), canvas, tweed, corduroy, velour, melton wool, vinyl-coated fabric, etc.
Polyester
thread60
90/14 - 100/16
Cotton thread,
Silk thread30 - 50
Stretch fabrics (knit fabrics, etc.)
Jersey, tricot, T-shirt fabric, fleece, interlock, etc.
Polyester thread, Cotton thread,
Silk thread50
Ball point needle
75/11 - 90/14Setting appropriate for the fabric thickness
For top-stitching
Polyester thread, Cotton thread
30
90/14 - 100/16
Setting appropriate for the fabric thickness
50 - 60
75/11 - 90/14
- Needles that can be used with this machine: Home sewing machine needles (size 65/9 - 100/16)
- The larger the number, the larger the needle. As the numbers decrease, the needles get finer.
- Thread that can be used with this machine: 30 - 90 weight
- Never use thread of 20 weight or lower. It may cause machine to malfunction.
- The smaller the number, the heavier the thread. As the numbers increase, the thread gets finer.
- In principle, use a fine needle and thread with lightweight fabrics, and a larger needle and heavier thread with heavyweight fabrics.
- Select a stitch appropriate for the fabric, and then adjust the stitch length. When sewing lightweight fabrics, make the stitch length finer (shorter). When sewing heavyweight fabrics, make the stitch length coarser (longer). (Setting the Stitch Length)
When sewing stretch fabrics, refer to Sewing Stretch Fabrics.
- Needles that can be used with this machine: Home sewing machine needles (size 65/9 - 100/16)
Transparent Nylon thread
Use a home sewing machine topstitching needle, regardless of the fabric or thread.
Needles and Threads When Sewing Character/Decorative Stitch Patterns
When sewing lightweight, medium weight or stretch fabrics, use a ball point needle (gold colored) 90/14. When sewing heavyweight fabrics, use a home sewing machine needle 90/14.
In addition, #50 to #60 thread should be used.
Embroidery Needles
Use a 75/11 home sewing machine needle for embroidery. When embroidering patterns with short stitches, such as small letters, we recommend using a ball point needle for embroidery.
CAUTION- The appropriate fabric, thread and needle combinations are shown in the preceding table. If the combination of the fabric, thread and needle is not correct, particularly when sewing heavy fabrics (such as denim) with thin needles (such as 65/9 to 75/11), the needle may break and cause injury. In addition, the stitching may be uneven or puckered or there may be skipped stitches.