Needles
Machine needles are identifi ed by type
on the package by both their type name
and a type number which is common to
all brands. See photo 4. The needle size
is also marked on the package.
With machine needles, the smaller
the number, the fi ner the needle.
Schmetz are now colour-coding their
machine needles which makes it
easy to identify what you have been
using. They provide an excellent
free download of their needle
guide on their website http://www.
schmetzneedles.com/learning/pdf/
schmetz-needle-chart.pdf. Schmetz
also have an app for iPads/iPhones
which would make needle choice when
shopping for notions very convenient.Tips for machine needles- Most machine needle threaders will
not accommodate a needle smaller
than Size 75. If using a fi ner needle,
it needs to be threaded by hand. - Needles should be changed regularly
at approximately 6-8 hours of
actual use. Be guided by your fabric
as polyester fabrics dull needles
much faster than natural fi bre
fabrics. If your machine is making a
louder sound as you stitch, consider
changing the needle. - Dispose of bent or broken needles
(and pins) in a sharps container
(readily available at chemists) and
when full place in the bin. - Do not store needles in a pincushion.
It is very easy for them to disappear
into the pin cushion and if the fi lling
is a type of fi bre-fi ll, they can rust.
Emery powder or fi ne, dry sand is a
better fi ller. - Use an emery strawberry, see photo
5, if you think your needle may have
a burr which is most often caused
by hitting a pin. Do not sew over
pins and, if you do accidentally hit
one, stop and check the needle
immediately. If working with very
fi ne fabric, change to a new needle
or you will risk pulling threads in
your fabric. - For storage of needles which have
been used but are still useable, mark
needle types with a permanent
Photo 4Photo 5Photo 6Tips and Techniques