A needle is selected according to the thickness of the thread and the type of the material. When sewing, the needle must pierce the material without damaging the fiber or creating too many holes, while the thread should slide smoothly through the opening.
The following needles are most commonly used.
Stretch Needle is designed for sewing elastic knitted fabrics. It has a slightly rounded tip, while a thickness ranging between 75 and 90.
Ball Point Needle is designed specifically for sewing knitted fabrics. The tip of the needle is rounded; it does not damage the fibers. Depending on the thickness of the thread, the fineness and the thickness of the needle is determined, which is between 70 and 100.
Denim needle is strong and sharp sewing needle intended for densely woven fabrics such as denim or thick canvas.
Double needle is made in different types and thicknesses. Two needles attached to the same shaft. The double needle is used for decorative stitches, as it provides a uniform distance between the seams. The distance between the needles may be from 2.mm to 6.mm. And there is also a triple needle.
The needle for leather and artificial leather has a very sharp tip that penetrates the surface of the material. It is also used for heavy decorative materials and non-woven materials. Due to the frequent use a thick thread, the thickness of a needle varies between 60 and 110.
The needle for silk and microfibers is extremely thin and sharp, which provides a very flat seams. It was made for the modern microfibre, polyester fabric and silk, held together by weaving density and sensitivity of the material.
Universal needles are the most general type and are suitable for sewing on most materials. They are compatible with all brands and models of household sewing machines, which require the use of a needle with a flat (semicircular) insert.
Universal Needles are available in thicknesses ranging from 60 to 120. The thickness of 70 is suitable for a slightly thinner materials, but not for silk and microfiber. For these materials Microtex needle is appropriate. The thread should be normal, ie. medium thick.