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.
The typical rule of thumb is that you should first select the correct thread weight for the fabric you will be using in your project. Once you know that, it's a simple matter of using the chart below to make sure you are using the correct sewing machine needle size on your machine.
Sewing Machine Needle Sizes
A handy reference chart
| Fabrics | Project | Appropriate Thread | Recommended Needle Size US/EUR (POINT TYPE) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quilting Weight Cotton | Patchwork/Piecing | 100% Cotton - 50 wt | 75/11 (H-J) |
| Quilting Weight Cotton | Quilting | 100% Cotton - 50 wt or Polyester 50 wt. (used by most Longarm quilters) | 80/12 (H-Q)* |
| Quilting Weight Cotton | Embroidery | 40 wt 100% cotton, silk or rayon | 90/14 (H-Q) |
| Heavier Cottons, Denim, Upholstery Fabrics | Patchwork/Piecing Bag making | Polywrapped Cottons | Denim 80/12 (H-J) |
| All Cotton Flannel | Any | 100% Cotton - 50 wt | 90/14 (H-Q) |
| Silk | Patchwork | 100% Silk | Microtex 60/8 (H-M) |
| Silk | Quilting | Silk or HiSheen Polywrapped cotton | 80/12 (H-Q) |
* When quilting heavily layered projects (such as art quilts) a denim needle may be necessary.
