We usually don’t think about how sewing machine needle sizes will affect a project when we sit down to sew. But the truth is that your sewing machine needle plays a vital role in the performance of your sewing machine. And using the wrong size needle for the job can potentially cause you some frustration down the road.

A handy reference chart about Needle Sizes

Fabric	Project Type	Appropriate  Thread	Needle Size US/EUR (POINT TYPE)
Quilting Cotton	Patchwork	50 wt. Cotton	75/11 (H-J)
Quilting Cotton	Quilting	50 wt. Cotton or Poly	80/12 (H-Q)*
Quilting Cotton	Embroidery	40 wt. Cotton, silk or rayon	90/14 (H-Q)
Heavier Cottons: Denim Canvas, Upholstery	Patchwork, Bag Making	Polywrapped cottons	Denim 80/12 (H-j)
All Cotton Flannel	Any	50 wt. Cotton	90/14 (H-Q)
Silk	Patchwork	100% Silk	Microtex 60/8 (H-M)
Silk	Quilting	Silk or or HiSheen Polywrapped cotton	80/12 (H-Q)

* When quilting heavily layered projects (such as art quilts) a denim needle may be necessary.