Choosing the correct needle to sew your projects with is just as important as selecting your fabric and thread. There is a diverse range of needles to suit different types of fabric. The European metric system for sewing machine needles is numbered from 60 to 110. The American sizing system is numbered from 8 to 18. For both of these sizing systems, the lower number is the finer needle and the higher number is the larger needle.

Keep in mind that the lighter the fabric the smaller the needle size and the heavier fabric the larger the size. Most of the time the thread you will be using for your projects will also help determine the type of needle you need to use. When using a fine, delicate thread, be sure to use a smaller needle size.

A diverse range of Singer needles is available from all authorised Singer retailers.

A guide for selecting the right needle:

Fabric Type:

Fabrics listed below are a combination of fibre, cotton, linen, silk, wool, synthetic, rayon, blends. They are listed as examples of weight.

Machine Needle Type
Machine Needle Size

Sheer to lightweight: Batiste, Chiffon, Georgette, Organza, Voile and all microfiber or micro denier fabrics.

Woven / Sharp Point9/70 or 11/80

Lightweight: Challis, Chambray, Charmeuse, Crepe de Chine, Gauze, Handkerchief Linen, Silk,

Taffeta, Tissue Faille.

Woven / Sharp Point11/80

Medium-weight: Broadcloth, Brocade, Chino, Chintz, Corduroy, Flannel, Linen, Poplin, Satin, Synthetic Suedes, Taffeta, Terry, Velvet

 

Woven / Sharp Point14/90

Medium to Heavy-weight: Coating, Damask, Drapery Fabric, Fake Fur, Gabardine, Ticking, Woollens

Woven / Sharp Point16/100 or 18/110

Denim and Canvas / Jeans

Denim / Jeans14/90 or 16/100

Sheer to Lightweight Knits: Jersey, Single Knit, Spandex, Tricot

Stretch / Ball Point10/70 or 12/80

Medium to Heavy-weight Knits:  Double Knit, Sweatshirt, Sweater Knit

Stretch / Ball Point14/90