Tips for the right needle

Needle Info

SUK is a medium ballpoint needle (usually used for lycra)
FFG (the most common ballpoint) is light ball
H is a sharp
HS is a stretch sharp
HJ denim sharp (also good for buttonholes)
HM microfibers
HE embroidery
N topstitching
NTW wedge point leather/suede needle

Singer doesn't use these designations, just the ball/regular ones.

(BTW, Singer needles often don't work in a European/Asian machine well, and Schmetz don't work well in many Singers. Slightly different needle lengths = miserably skipped stitches.)

Needle sizes are numeric:

70/10 for lightweight stuff like crepe de chine, batiste, light rayons
80/12 for velveteen, cotton twill and similar medium weights
100/16 for denim, upholstery
120/18 for really heavy upholstery, luggage, shoes.

If you use too thin a needle, it tends to break and also to cause thread weakening. Too thick a needle usually leads to puckery seams and holes along the seamline.

Needles - to - Fabric types

Regarding your question on what needles to use with what fabric.

60/8 Universal - silk, organza, chiffon, sheer

70/10 Universal - Blouse & lightweight dress fabric

70/10 Microtex - Batiste, crepe de chine, microfiber

75/11 Stretch - Interlock knit, lycra

75/11 Quilting - Quilting through various batting

80/12 Embroidery - rayon thread for decorative stitches & embroidery

80/12 Universal - Cotton, linen. wool

80/12 Metallic - Metallic & decorative thread

90/14 Jeans - Denim, canvas

90/14 Stretch - Fleece, knit, faux suede & leather

110 & 120 (not wing)- wonderful for pinstitching in heirloom fabric

Sewing Tips & Techniques

Sewing Tips and Techniques

Author: Eileen Green

Sewing Tips and Techniques

Sewing is really considered an art form since the works of talented hands can be made into beautiful pieces of clothing, home decor, beddings and many more. And with today's penchant to show off creativity via fashion, a renewed interest in sewing is seen.Learning how to sew takes time and effort. It may not be rocket science but a certain learning curve is definitely required. If you start a sewing project without even knowing the basics of sewing, then you are almost certain to fail in your endeavor. To prevent this, it pays to know a few basic sewing techniques.

Sewing Steps for Beginners
The following tips will help you get your feet wet in the world of sewing.

1. Prepare all your materials before anything else. If using a sewing machine, prepare your machine and be sure to thread it properly to avoid any hassles during the actual sewing process.

2. Prepare your pattern and guide. Read the instructions before you try anything. Understanding the pattern and guide is essential prior to cutting the fabric as you cannot re-do the cutting once it's done.

3. Prepare your fabric by washing and drying it first. You would want to wash your fabrics prior to cutting to ensure that it will not shrink after sewing the entire clothing.You should also dry and iron your fabric. It is much easier to cut fabrics that have been dried and ironed.

4. Securely pin the pieces of your pattern on to the fabric. Cut the fabric with sharp scissors to ensure that the edges are cut evenly.

5. Baste the pieces of pattern using longhand stitches to make it much easier for you to piece together the edges of the fabric. You may use bright coloured thread to baste your pieces together.

6. Sew your pieces on the edges and then remove the basting thread once you are done.

Sewing is a fun hobby to start and once you get the hang of it, you will soon be sewing different patterns from the simplest to the more complex. Just remember to be patient as it takes time to learn the basics of sewing, but you will always have fun while doing it!

About the Author:

The team behind Sew Sew Simple has served the local community as a High Street retail shop, providing an extensive range of Haberdashery and Soft Furnishings for the last 44 years. Sew Sew Simple stock a large assortment of threads, bindings, buttons, haberdashery, and many more sewing products at discount prices.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/sewing-tips-and-techniques-415284.html