Needles for Home Sewing Machines
Needles for a home sewing machine
Needles in the 130/705H (HAx1, 15x1) system, which fits most home sewing machines: Prym and ORGAN universal needles in sizes 60 to 100 and in mixed size packs, needles made in Japan, and ball-point needles for knitwear and knitted fabrics. 5 needles per pack, for home seamstresses, students, and seamstresses.
Products: 15
How to Know Which Needle Fits Your Machine
The 130/705H system, also known as HAx1 or 15x1, is the system used by most home sewing machines: Singer, Brother, Janome, Bernina, Pfaff, Toyota, home Juki models and more. The needle shank has a flat side, which on most machines faces the back, so the needle can't be inserted the wrong way round. Industrial machines use other systems, such as DBx1, so these needles don't fit them. Home overlockers and coverstitch machines sometimes use a special version of the system, so check your machine manual.
The safe way to check: remove the old needle and read the marking on the shank, or check your machine manual.
Needle Size by Fabric Weight
Every pack carries two numbers, for example 80/12. The first is the needle diameter in hundredths of a millimeter, and the second is the American size. A needle that's too thick leaves holes in the fabric, and one that's too thin bends and breaks in heavy fabric.
70/10: lightweight fabrics: chiffon, organza, silk, lining and fine cotton.
80/12: light to medium fabrics: cotton, poplin, viscose, crepe and bed linen. The range for most projects.
90/14: medium to heavy fabrics: linen, gabardine, light wool, corduroy and curtain fabrics.
100/16: heavy fabrics: denim, canvas, upholstery fabrics, coats and thick layers.
Point Type by Fabric Type
Universal point: slightly rounded. For most woven fabrics: cotton, linen, viscose, lightweight denim and home textiles.
Ballpoint: more rounded. For knit fabrics: tricot, jersey, interlock and fleece. It pushes the fabric loops aside instead of tearing them.
Stretch needle: for fabrics with a high elastane content, such as swimwear and sportswear.
When to Change the Needle
At the start of every project and whenever you switch to a different type of fabric.
Immediately after the needle hits a pin, zipper or button.
When there's a clicking sound with every stitch, skipped stitches, breaking thread or pulls in the fabric.
Common Mistakes
Buying by machine brand alone. What matters is the system, 130/705H, not the brand.
One needle for all fabrics. An 80/12 needle is not suitable for both chiffon and denim.
A universal needle for tricot. For knit fabric a ballpoint is better.
More in Sewing Supplies
A complete guide to machine and hand needles is in Needles. Before sewing, secure the fabric with pins and cut with scissors. The rest of the tools are in Sewing Accessories and Sewing Supplies.
Related guide: Sewing Machine Needles: How to Choose by Fabric Type and Weight
Frequently asked questions
Which needle suits a home sewing machine?
Most home machines work with the 130/705H system, also called HAx1 or 15x1. Choose the size according to the thickness of the fabric, and the point type according to the type of fabric.
Are needles for a Singer machine also suitable for Brother?
Yes, if both machines use the 130/705H system. Most home machines from Singer, Brother, Janome and Bernina use the same system.
What are the numbers on the needle packaging?
Two numbers for the same needle, for example 80/12. The first is the thickness in hundredths of a millimeter, and the second is the American number. A higher number is a thicker needle.
Which needle suits denim?
A 100/16 needle. For thin denim or a short repair, 90/14 is also suitable.
Which needle suits jersey?
A needle with a ballpoint tip, usually in size 80/12. It pushes the fabric's loops aside and doesn't tear them.
Which needle suits chiffon and silk?
A thin needle in size 70/10.
How often should I change a needle?
At the start of every project, whenever you switch to a different type of fabric, and right after hitting a pin or a zipper.
How do I know the needle is dull?
A click with every stitch, skipped stitches, breaking thread and pulls in the fabric.
Are the needles suitable for an industrial machine?
No. Industrial machines use other systems, such as DBx1.
Can I buy needles in bulk?
Yes, for schools, classes and sewing workshops. Phone 03-9444226 or WhatsApp 055-2473993.