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Anatomy of a Machine Needle Needle Sizes
Shank Needle packages are marked with two size numbers. The higher number is the
The shank is the upper portion of the needle
that is inserted into the machine. The front is
European metric system and defines the needle shaft diameter in fractions of a machine needles
millimeter. The lower number is the American numbering system.
rounded and the back is flat. Check your
machine manual for instructions on properly
inserting the needle into your sewing Exception: For Twin or Triple Needles the first number is the distance between the
machine. needles in millimeters. The second number is the European needle size.
Shaft
The shaft is the lower portion of the needle
that begins at the base of the shank and European American
extends to the point. The needle size is 60 8
determined by the shaft diameter. 65 9
Groove 70 10
The groove is the indentation located on the 75 11
front of the needle. The thread is protected 80 12
in the channel as the needle passes through 90 14
the fabric. 100 16
Scarf 110 18
The scarf is the indentation on the back of the
needle above the eye. The scarf allows the
bobbin thread to pass closely to the needle
eye catching the needle thread to create a Fabric Weights
stitch.

Eye Select size of needle based on fabric weight. The finer your fabric weight, the lower
The eye is the hole in the lower portion of the shaft. The thread passes from the front to the needle size to use.
the back of the needle through the eye. Select a needle with the appropriate size eye to
accommodate the thread you are using. The thread should flow freely through the eye.
Fabric Needle Size
Point
The point is the tip of the needle that penetrates the fabric. Needle points are designed to Very Lightweight 8 or 9
penetrate different fabric types. Lightweight 9, 10 or 11
Medium-weight 12 or 14
Heavyweight 14 or 16
Very Heavyweight 16 or 18

Due to seasonal nature of project, supplies are available for a limited time only. Please read all instructions
prior to beginning; read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions for all tools and materials used. Provide adult
supervision if children participate in this and all craft projects. Because Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. has no control over
Choosing the Right Machine Needle
the use of materials and tools, nor surroundings, during construction of projects, Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. disclaims
any liability for injury, damage or other untoward results. Content of this project sheet is presented in good faith,
but no warranty is given, nor results guaranteed. ©2007 Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. All rights reserved. Dept. 2170 • P507-215
reorder: machine accessories #1 more projects available at Joann.com
 Selecting Machine Needles Specialty Needles Quilting
Tapered needle with sharp point for stitching through multiple
Denim/Jeans fabric layers and intersecting seams.
Machine needles vary according to the type of point and size or thickness of needle.
Very sharp point and stiff shank for stitching tightly woven fabrics
Select your needle for the type of fabric you will be sewing and then choose the size of
like denim, canvas and multiple fabric layers.
needle for the weight of fabric and type of thread. Stretch
Also available as a double needle.
Special design prevents skipped stitches on swimwear and knit
Types of Machine Needles fabrics that contain spandex or Lycra® as well as synthetic suedes.
Hemstitch/Wing
General Purpose Wide “wings” on sides of needle create openwork stitching in
tightly-woven fabrics, such as linen and batiste. Use for Topstitch
Universal Point hemstitching and heirloom embroidery. Extra-sharp point with an extra-large eye and large groove to
Point is slightly rounded. All-purpose needle for sewing Also available as a double needle. accommodate topstitching thread.
wovens and knits

Ball Point Leather

Point is more rounded than Universal, Wedge shaped point pierces real leather & suede, creating small Double (Twin) & Triple Needles
designed to slide between yarns of knit stitch holes and strong seams. Never use on woven or knit fabrics.
fabrics without snagging. Double and triple needles are designed with two or
three shafts on a crossbar that extends from a
Sharp/Microtex Universal Machine Embroidery single shank. Use for pintucking, heirloom
Sharp point for perfectly straight Point Designed with a special scarf and large eye to prevent shredding sewing, decorative topstitching and
stitches. Ideal for silks, and breakage when stitching dense designs with rayon and special hemming.
microfibers and heirloom machine embroidery threads. Note: Sewing machine must have zigzag
sewing. Also available as a double needle. capabilities in order to use twin and triple needle,
even when straight stitching. Available stitch width is
limited due to wider spread of needle positions. Test stitch first
Ball Point
Metallica by manually turning the hand wheel.
Special scarf prevents skipped stitches; the large eye accommodates
heavier threads and the large groove prevents shredding of delicate How Often Should I Change My
metallic threads. Needle?
Also available as a double needle.
Always use a new needle for each sewing project. A dull needle or one
that has a burr can cause the thread to break or snag the fabric. Bent
Sharp needles can break or cause skipped stitches.

Needles shown are not actual size