Last Updated on 9 months by Susan Mayrich
Are you wondering what size sewing machine needle for denim? You’ve been sewing for a while and have a good idea of the different needle types. But do you know which is best for denim?
Needles are an essential part of any sewing project. They can make or break your final product. Whether you’re working with heavy-duty materials like denim, leather, or delicate fabrics like silk, it’s essential to use the right one.
This blog post will provide the information you need to know about selecting the right sewing machine needle size for sewing denim.
The first thing that you need to do before starting any project is read through all of the instructions on how to thread and use your sewing machine properly, including what type of stitch pattern to use, which type of fabric it should be used, and the best heavy duty sewing machine.
You can’t just pick out a needle without considering these factors because they all play an essential role in determining which one will work best.
What Size Sewing Machine Needle For A Denim
So, what size sewing machine needle for denim? A size 100/16 needles should do the trick for most thick denim fabrics. But the perfect sewing machine needle size for denim will depend on the thickness and weight of your fabric. You should look for a sewing machine needle appropriate for your fabric.
A universal 100/16 or 110/18 sewing machine needle will be suitable for most denim types. But if you’re sewing a thicker denim fabric, the best needle size for denim is a jeans/denim needle-sized 90/14, 100/16, or 110/18, which has an even larger eye and a sharper point. You want to use a sharp needle with an extra-large eye so the thread can easily pass through.
Because these needles are sharp, they will pass through the fabric more easily. Since the needle holes are more significant, your thread will handle better. A denim needle is designed for heavyweight fabrics, while a standard needle is better suited for lighter materials.
If you are unsure which needle to use, start with a universal needle and switch to a jeans needle if you find it too difficult to pass the needle through the fabric, which means fewer skipped stitches and needle breaks.
Image: freeneedle.com
A general guideline for choosing a needle size is as follows:
- Thin fabrics: Use a size 70/10 needle.
- Medium fabrics: Use a size 80/12 needle.
- Medium Heavy-weight fabrics: Use a size 90/14 needle.
- Heavy-weight fabrics: Use a size 100/16 needles.
- Extra-heavy fabrics: Use size 110/18 needle
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Sewing Machine Needle Size For Denim
There are some things that you should keep in mind when choosing a sewing machine needle size for denim:
- The needle you choose should be sharp and have an extra-large eye to pass the thread through easily.
- A universal or ballpoint needle is perfect for this type of fabric, as they’re designed specifically for woven materials.
- Before starting any project, you should always read through all the instructions on threading correctly and using your sewing machine.
- Consider the fabric type, stitch pattern, and other factors before selecting a needle size.
- Your machine should be able to stitch through 5 layers of fabric at 2 mm; otherwise, you will just get puckers on the inside.
- Depending on how heavy your denim is, you may need a thicker or longer needle. The most significant risk for breaking needles while sewing jeans comes from the thickness of the fabric and how thin the needle is.
- If your denim is heavy, then you may need a thicker needle size, such as jeans/denim or heavy-duty.
- When selecting a sewing machine needle, always choose the sharpest one available. A dull needle can cause your fabric to pucker and lead to skipped stitches.
- In this case, you will also have to use a longer needle because the point of a short needle won’t be able to go through all those layers.
Can I Sew Denim On A Regular Sewing Machine?
It is possible to sew lightweight denim with a regular sewing machine. If you know the techniques and you have the right needle and thread for use with denim, then you can sew some on a standard sewing machine. With that said, a heavy-duty sewing machine with a powerful motor and a solid interior frame will do the best work if you’re sewing heavy-duty denim.
Most denim won’t even sit properly on a sewing machine; when it does, there’s not enough room to sew the seams. Even if the denim could fit on a machine, you must worry about thread tension, stitches per inch, and needle size.
It would take a lot of adjustments for an average sewing machine to do durable work with denim. That’s why you see professional seamstresses who specialize in denim have machines that are set up appropriately for tough fabrics like jeans, such as the Singer 4423
The Singer 4423 is one of the perfect machines for sewing heavy and thick fabrics such as denim/jeans. You can easily sew through multiple layers of denim with this powerful yet lightweight model.
With its extra-high presser foot lifter, you won’t have to worry about your fabric slipping under the presser foot while stitching – even if several layers of material are underneath.
This versatile model lets you do just that if you want to experiment with more advanced techniques like monograms or decorative stitches. (Best Heavy Sewing Machines for thick fabrics)
Other sewing machines to consider include:
- Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine
- Janome Industrial-Grade Aluminum-Body HD1000 Black
- JUKI TL-2000Qi Sewing and Quilting Machine
Tips For Sewing Denim Easily With Your Sewing Machine
If you’re looking to make a pair of jeans with a minimal amount of fuss, follow these tips:
Prewash
Pre-wash the denim fabric before you start sewing. This will help remove any shrinking or distortion that may occur in the future. Sewing denim can be a bit tricky, but following these tips should help make the process a lot easier.
Use the right thread
Use a heavyweight denim thread when you sew. It’s less likely to break and will be more durable.
Room for seam allowances
Leave ample room for seam allowances when you’re cutting out your pieces. This will help prevent any fraying or stretching later on.
Use a right stitch
Use a straight stitch when sewing seams and a zigzag stitch along the edges to reinforce them.
Use a seam ripper
Use a seam ripper to carefully open up seams if you need to make any adjustments.
Sharp scissors
Cut with sharp scissors. It’s always best to cut as close to the seam line as possible so you don’t have to do excessive trimming later.
Take time
Take your time when sewing, and be patient. It’s better to go slowly and ensure everything is done correctly than to go back and fix mistakes later on.
Can You Use Regular Thread For Denim?
When choosing a needle size, it is essential to consider the type of thread that will be used. You can use a regular all-purpose thread when sewing denim.
If you’re not overly picky about quality and don’t mind sewing a little more loosely, this is an option. Keep in mind that various threads are used in making denim, and using a regular thread may not be strong enough to do this job and will break.
The best kind of thread for sewing denim is a heavy-duty thread.
Even though there are many thread options available, it is essential to use a heavyweight denim thread or heavyweight all-purpose thread as it will be more durable and less likely to break.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the answers to your questions:
Do all needles fit all sewing machines?
Most sewing machine needles will work in any type of sewing machine. But it depends on the make and model of the sewing machine.
Some needles are specifically designed for a specific sewing machine, while others are more versatile and can be used with various machines.
Needles for sergers or overlock machines and embroidery machines may vary in shape and size. So it’s importable always to be careful when choosing the right needle for your sewing machine
How do you sew thick layers? – Video Tutorial
What do needle size numbers mean?
The numbers on the side of a sewing machine needle are the size of the needle in millimeters. The bigger the number, the bigger the needle.
Most needles range in size from 60 to 120. When sewing thick layers, you’ll want to use a bigger needle so it can pierce through the fabric easier. A needle size of 90 or 100 is generally best for sewing thicker fabrics.
Should you wash denim before sewing?
Yes, it is recommended to pre-washing denim fabric before sewing to soften it, prevent it from shrinking, and also remove chemical sizing.
Can you sew denim by hand?
Yes, it is possible to sew denim with a handle sewing method. You may also be interested to know about why your sewing needle keeps breaking.
It’s A Wrap!
Now, you’ve known what size sewing machine needle for denim! You may also want to read about how to sharpen sewing needles and how to identify sewing machine needles.
