The Complicated World of Sewing Needle Types
Sewing needles have been used for centuries for sewing, embroidery, and other crafts. But choosing the right sewing needle type can be confusing and overwhelming for beginners and experienced sewers alike. In this article, we will explore the different types of sewing needles and when to use them for different types of projects.
There are two main types of sewing needles: straight and curved. Straight needles have a straight body and head, while curved needles have a curved body and head. The shape of the head determines the type of thread that can be used with the needle. Here are some of the most commonly used sewing needle types:
Straight Needles
Pencil Needles
Pencil needles are straight and thin, with a pointed head. They are commonly used for hand-sewing and fine work, such as cross-stitch, needlepoint, and beadwork. They are available in sizes from 1/16 to 9/16 inch, which corresponds to a range of sizes from size 8 to size 56 on a needle size chart.
Needles with Double Eye
Needles with a double eye are straight and slightly bent, with a pointed head and two holes for threading. They are commonly used for embroidery, fine hand-sewing, and needlework. They come in sizes ranging from 1/16 to 10/16 inch, which corresponds to a range of sizes from size 8 to size 62 on a needle size chart.
Sharp Needles
Sharp needles are straight and thin, with a pointed head and a sharp point. They are commonly used for machine sewing, upholstery work, and heavy fabrics. They come in sizes ranging from 1/8 inch to 1 1/4 inch, which corresponds to a range of sizes from size 1 to size 20 on a needle size chart.
Ballpoint Needles
Ballpoint needles have a ball-shaped head with a slotted eye. They are commonly used for knitting, crocheting, and crochet hook work. They come in sizes ranging from 2 to 8 mm, which corresponds to a range of sizes from size 4 to size 8 on a needle size chart.
Curved Needles
Sharp Crewel Needles
Sharp crewel needles have a curved body and a pointed head. They are commonly used for small needlework, blanket stitch, and needle-threading techniques. They come in sizes ranging from 1/16 to 10/16 inch, which corresponds to a range of sizes from size 8 to size 62 on a needle size chart.
End Needles
End needles have a curved body and a pointed head, with two holes for threading. They are commonly used for embroidery work with multiple strands of thread. They come in sizes ranging from 1/16 to 10/16 inch, which corresponds to a range of sizes from size 8 to size 62 on a needle size chart.
Needles with Two Eyes
Needles with two eyes have a curved body and a pointed head, with two holes for threading. They can be used for both hand-sewing and machine sewing. They come in sizes ranging from 1/16 to 80/32 inch, which corresponds to a range of sizes from size 8 to size 50 on a needle size chart.
Changing Sewing Needles
It is important to change sewing needles regularly to avoid dulling the needle and damaging the fabric. Blunt needles can cause stitching that is uneven and unsatisfactory. Here are some tips for changing sewing needles:
- Thread the needle on the new needle to make it easier to process.
- Touch the thread with scissors, which will cut the thread without spine, reducing lint and tangles.
- Check the thread to ensure that it is not too stiff or tangled on the needle. If it is, you may need to remove the thread and start again.
Conclusion
Choosing the right sewing needle type can be tricky, but it is essential for achieving the desired results. Understanding the different types of sewing needles, their sizes, and when to use them can make sewing more enjoyable and efficient. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sewer, always keep an open mind and a box of needles on hand.