In today’s post, we will show you 3 aspects you should consider when buying needles to know how to select the ideal needle for your industrial sewing machine.
As long as you follow these criteria, you will be sure to buy the perfect needle for your machine, the operation of your machine will be correct and you will guarantee its good condition.
In addition, you will be sure that the seams in your projects will be uniform and flawless, achieving also much more efficient working times, which will be reflected in the final product.
So let’s to learn the aspects you should consider when buying needles for your industrial sewing machine.
1. Needle system
The different needle systems arise from the use of new fabrics, new sewing machines and the speed of the machines.
The needle system refers to the dimensions that the needle must have to fit the type of machine. Depending on the type of machine and its stitch, the needles are designed with modifications in length, thickness, eye type, etc.
All these variations generate an identification code for each needle type.
- That is why our recommendation is to consult with the seller or in the instruction manual of the machine the ideal needle system for each of your machines.
Depending on the needle system there can be between 6-8 sizes, with different needle points.
Here are the most common needle systems for sewing and embroidery machines, for your reference.
2. Needle point type
The point of a needle is generally classified into two types, and you can select the ideal point for your needle if you know the characteristics of the material you are going to sew.
Here is an overview of the different types of needle points and their most common applications.
Round point needle
There are different types of round points, each designed for special applications, such as:
- Light weight fabrics
- Dense elastic fabrics
- Normal fabrics with standard seams
- Medium thickness elastic materials with elastomeric thread cover
- Very thick fabrics
- Dense fabrics
- Microfiber
- Coated materials,
- Topstitching of collars and shirt cuffs
- This because it causes less damage, helps to establish a straight stitch and
minimize seam gathering.
Cutting point needles
Cutting point needles have sharp points with various cross-sectional shapes such as: lens, round, triangular and square.
- And these shapes are designed for sewing dense, non-woven materials.
Their cutting tip pierces the material easier than round points, avoiding needle friction and premature needle wear.
3. Needle gauge or thickness
Now let’s talk about needle gauge is usually represented by two numbers separated by a diagonal, as two types of measurement are commonly used to identify the thickness of the needle.
Today we will talk a little more about the metric numbering method (Nm).
This refers to the diameter of the needle in hundredths of millimeters.
- For example, a needle Nm 110 is 1.1 mm in diameter, while a needle Nm 50 is half a millimeter.
We have prepared a table where you will find the equivalences of the needle gauges and the fabrics with which you can use them.
- As a suggestion we can tell you that the selection of the gauge can be done
mainly guided by the type of fabric and thickness of the same.
The thicker the fabric, the needle should have a higher gauge number.
Selecting the ideal needle with the right gauge also depends on our knowledge of the materials we will be sewing.
Now you know the 3 essential aspects to select the ideal needle for your industrial machine, always keeping in mind that to make the best selection you should consult with your supplier to provide you with all the necessary data.
We hope this post will help you make the ideal needle selection to get the most out of your industrial machines.
If you want to know more about domestic or industrial machine needles, we invite you to check our All About Needles category! We hope you like it and help you so much in your following sewing projects!
If you know of any other tips on the subject that can help the Dreamers community please share them in the comments.
See you in the next post… and bye for now!