There are many different types of needles on the
market, as well as specialty needles. Many
dealers, instructors and fellow embroiderers
might suggest a variety of
recommendations. I have not found it necessary
to use many different needles for different
projects (I've had great luck using a size 11
sharp for almost everything), but it may be helpful for you
to try different types and sizes of needles. In my
experience, I'd ultimately recommend sticking
with what works best for you and your machine.
Sharp Needle
These needles have a
sharp point that penetrates most fabrics. Sharp
needles work well with woven and knit fabrics,
and work well penetrating heavier fabrics like
denim and canvas. I like this needle the best
because the small point leaves a very small
perforation in the fabric, and that makes my
embroidery look crisp and clean, well-defined.
I'm often asked about my needle choice. I've
always used a size 75/11 sharp needle. The eye
size is perfect for 40 weight rayon or polyester
embroidery thread. And I've embroidered on
everything from fleece to cardstock to lace
with a size 75/11 sharp needle, and had great success.
Universal Needle
Similar to sharp needles, universal needles
are sharp enough to penetrate most fabrics, and
work well with knit and woven fabric. The tips
are slightly rounded and tapered so that it
slips through the weave of the fabric like a
ball point needle, rather than cutting through
the fibers as a sharp needle does.
Ball Point Needle
These needles have a rounded point, which is
designed to slip in between the weave of the
fabric, rather than penetrate through it. Ball
point needles are designed to be used with knits
like T-shirts and sweatshirts. A sharp or
universal needle could possibly cause a slight
tear or run in the fabric because of the sharp
point cutting through the fibers.
You might find that
some experienced embroiderers recommend a ball
point needle for knits. However, I've always
used a sharp needle on knits, and never had any
problems. I've experimented with both ball point and sharp
needles on knits, and I got the same results
with both needles. If you ever experience any
slight tears, runs or "fuzziness" around a
design and are using a sharp, universal, or
embroidery needle, then try changing to a ball point needle.
Embroidery Needle
These needles are designed specifically for
machine embroidery use, and for use with rayon
and polyester embroidery threads. Embroidery
needles work well with all fabrics. The eye of
these needles is larger and longer than
universal needles. And embroidery needles have a
special, deep scarf on the front, plus a rounded
point, which protects the thread from shredding
and breaking.
While embroidery needles work well on all
fabrics, I still recommend a sharp needle when
embroidering directly onto water-soluble
stabilizer. If you use an embroidery needle when
making freestanding lace, that rounded point may
stretch the water-soluble stabilizer, whereas a
sharp needle will perforate neatly through it. |