beautypg.com

Fabric, thread, and needle combinations, Caution – Brother SB170 User Manual

Page 18

background image

KNOWING YOUR SEWING MACHINE

17

FABRIC, THREAD, AND NEEDLE COMBINATIONS

Note

● Never use a thread weighted #20 or lower. It may cause machine malfunction.

Memo

● The lower the thread number, the thicker the thread; and the higher the needle number, the thicker the

needle.

Ball point needle

Use the ball point needle when sewing on stretch fabrics or fabrics where skipped stitches easily occur.
The factory recommended needle is “HG-4BR” (Organ). Schmetz needles “JERSEY BALL POINT” 130/705H SUK
90/14 may be used as a substitute.

Transparent nylon thread

Use a 90/14 to 100/16 needle, regardless of the fabric or thread.

CAUTION

Fabric Type/Application

Thread

Size of Needle

Type

Size

Medium weight

fabrics

Broadcloth

Cotton thread

60–90

75/11–90/14

Taffeta

Synthetic thread

Flannel, Gabardine

Silk thread

50

Thin fabrics

Lawn

Cotton thread

60–90

65/9–75/11

Georgette

Synthetic thread

Challis, Satin

Silk thread

50

Thick fabrics

Denim

Cotton thread

30

100/16

50

90/14–100/16

Corduroy

Synthetic thread

50–60

Tweed

Silk thread

Stretch fabrics

Jersey

Thread for knits

50–60

Ball point needle

75/11–90/14

(gold colored)

Tricot

Easily frayed fabrics

Cotton thread

50–90

65/9–90/14

Synthetic thread

Silk thread

50

For top-stitching

Synthetic thread

Silk thread

30

100/16

50–60

75/11–90/14

Make sure you follow the needle, thread, and fabric combinations listed in the table.
Using the wrong combination, such as heavyweight fabric like denim with a small needle
(65/9-75/11), may bend or break the needle. The wrong combination may also cause the seam
to be uneven, the fabric to pucker, or the machine to skip stitches.