Last Updated on 11 months by Susan Mayrich
Are you wondering what size sewing machine needle for cotton? If you’re looking for the right needle size for cotton fabric, continue reading our cotton fabric needle guide, and we’re sure you’ll find the answer to your question.
How many times have you gone to sew with your sewing machine and found that the needle is either broken or no longer working? You find yourself in a panic, frustrated at not being able to complete your project. Have you ever stopped to look for a sewing machine needle chart?
Choosing the right sewing machine needle is important because the wrong one can ruin your project.
You want to make sure you are using a needle that is appropriate for the fabric type and weight you are working with. This will give you a better stitch quality, more strength in seams, reduce thread breakage and keep your stitches looking good on both sides of the fabric.
What Size Sewing Machine Needle For A Cotton?
If you’re sewing cotton fabric and using cotton thread, then an appropriate sewing machine needle for cotton would be 80/12 (80 needles per inch) or size 90/14 (14 = 90).
To get the best stitching results, it is important to use the proper Sewing Machine Needle for this type of fabric. Use a size 80 or 90 needles when working with cotton fabrics.
The thickness of your fabric, the number of layers you are sewing, and the type of stitch you will be using should all be taken into consideration when deciding on a needle.
A sewing needle’s size is given in millimeters (mm). The smaller the number, the finer the point.
A size 16 needle can be used for sewing with all types of thread. This type of needle is also used to stitch through leather and heavy fabrics.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Sewing Machine Needle Size
When you are ready to purchase a needle, take into account the following factors:
- The type of fabric you will be sewing
- The weight of the fabric
- The thickness of the fabric
- How many layers of fabric you will be sewing
- The type of thread you will be using
- The size of the thread
How To Choose The Right Sewing Machine Needle?
Needles come in different sizes and shapes, so it is important to understand the difference before you start sewing. The most common types of needles are sharps, universals, and quilting needles:
- Sharps are best for general sewing while between are designed for lightweight fabrics.
- Quilting needles have a larger eye and a thicker shaft than other needles, making them ideal for piecing quilts.
- Ballpoint needles are designed for knit fabrics as they move smoothly between the stitches without piercing them.
- Diamond needles are another type of sewing machine needle. They have a sharp point and a small round eye. Diamond needles are best for sewing with heavy fabrics such as leather bags, belts, and suitcases.
- A universal needle is a type of sewing machine needle that can be used for most types of fabrics. They have a sharp point and around the eye. Using this type of needle is advisable for thinner textiles, upholstery, and even leatherworking because it has a sturdy point.
- Stretch needles have a specially designed point that allows them to puncture the fabric without tearing it. They are ideal for sewing with elastic fabrics.
- Topstitch needles are very similar to ballpoint needles with the exception that they have a larger eye for sewing thicker threads. They are ideal for topstitching, quilting, and mending fabric.
Sewing Machine Needle Size Chart Explained
Use this chart to help you determine what size sewing machine needle for cotton you need for your project.
- Type of Fabric: For lighter fabrics such as muslin or organza
- Needle size: 60/8
- Type of Fabric: cotton lawn, polyester, and lining fabrics
- Needle size: 70/10
- Type of Fabric: Cotton, Quilting cotton, Linen, blends, and Wool
- Needle Size: 12 (80)
- Type of Fabric: Wool, Silk, Medium Weight Fabrics, Linen,
- Needle Size: 90 (14)
- Type of Fabric: Heavy Fabrics such as Canvas, Duck and Denim Thick, Double Faced or Quilted Thread
- Needle Size: 16 (100)
Tips For Choosing The Right Sewing Machine Needle Size
When it comes to choosing the right needle size, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Different fabric types will require different needle sizes.
As a general rule, it is always a good idea to have a variety of needle sizes and shapes on hand so you can choose the best one for the project you are working on.
A needle that is too big for the fabric can cause it to pucker, while a needle that is too small may not be able to hold the thread.
The weight and thickness of the fabric should be taken into consideration when selecting a needle. Heavier fabrics require a thicker needle while thinner fabrics require a finer needle.
Different types of thread require different types of needles. Thicker threads require a larger needle while thinner threads work best with smaller needles.
There are a variety of different-sized needles available. The most common sizes are 70/10, 80/12, and 90/14.
Some projects require a specific type of needle. Quilting projects often require a quilting needle while denim projects may require a denim needle.
If you are unsure what type of sewing machine needle to use, check the instruction manual to see if there is an ideal size listed. Most machines will work with needles that are both larger and smaller than the recommended size, but using the wrong size can damage your machine.
It’s important to use appropriate tools when working with any type of fabric so that they do not get damaged by overstretching and tearing under pressure from thicker fabrics like denim or heavyweight.
If you are sewing for a long period of time, the fabric may lean on the needle which could bend it. It is a good idea not to sew with a heavy fabric for an extended period of time using the same needle.
When your project is complete, be sure to remove the needle and insert it into the protective cap. This will help to keep your needle in good condition.
Related Articles
Brother Sewing Machine Needle Size Chart, Types, and Replacement
How to identify sewing machine needles
How to Change a Needle on a Brother Sewing Machine
How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine Needle
What is Automatic Needle Threader on Sewing Machine
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the answers to your questions:
What do needle size numbers mean?
The numbers on sewing machine needle packages indicate the thickness of the fabric you may sew.
The higher the figures, the thicker the fabric you can make with these needles.
The needle size is the diameter of the needle that is measured in millimeters. It ranges from 8 to 14.
Are sewing machine needles universal?
Sewing machine needles are not universal. The size of the needle you need for your project depends on the type of fabric you are using.
A needle that is too big for the fabric can cause it to pucker, while a needle that is too small may not be able to hold the thread.
How do you know if a needle is a ballpoint?
Do all sewing machine needles have a flat side?
Yes, all sewing machine needles have a flat side. This is the side of the needle that should be facing down when you are inserting it into the fabric.
What is a ballpoint needle used for?
A ballpoint needle is a type of sewing machine needle that is designed to move smoothly through fabrics like knits and Terry cloth.
The needle has a small ball at the point that helps to push the fabric away from the needle, which reduces the chances of skipped stitches.
It’s A Wrap!
A sewing machine needle is the most important part of a sewing kit. The wrong size or shape can cause damage to your fabric and may ruin the finished product. It’s wise to have different sizes on hand for various projects.
You should also make sure you know how to use your sewing machine properly before beginning any project – otherwise, it could end up disastrous. Now, you’ve known what size sewing machine needle for cotton!
