Kenmore 385.160201 - Manual (Page 24)

Selecting Needle and Fabric
For genera! sewing, use needle sizes 11 or 14. A fine thread and needle should be
used for sewing lightweight fabrics, so the fabric will not be marred. Heavy fabrics
require a needle large enough to pierce the fabric without fraying the needle thread.
In the needle set, there is one each of sizes 11,14,16, and 18, and a blue needle.
Use the blue needle to eliminate skipped stitches when sewing knits and synthetic
fabrics.
Special needles should be used on certain fabrics. A denim needle with a sharp tip
effectively pierces dense fabrics such as denim and canvas. For topstitching, a
special topstitching needle with a larger eye, accommodates heavier weight thread.
Leather needles punch small holes in leather and suede, allowing the thread to
follow through the hole.
Check your needles frequently for rough or blunt tips. Snags and runs in knits, fine
silks and silk-like fabrics are permanent, and are often caused by damaged
needles.
Always purchase a good quality thread. It should be strong, smooth and consistent
in thickness.
WEIGHT FABRIC TYPE OF NEEDLE NEEDLE SIZE
Very Light
Chiffon, Georgette, Fine Lace. Organdy, Organdy
Net, Tulle Universal
Ball Point 9(65)
9(65)
Light
Batiste, Voile, Lawn, Pure Silk, Crepe de Chine,
Sheer Crepe, Cham bray. Handkerchief Linen,
Gingham, Challis, Percale, Wool Crepe, Peau de Soie,
Taffeta, Satin, Silk Surah, Satin-backed Crepe,
Qiana
Orange
Blue 11 (75)
11 (75)
12(80)
Single Knits, Jersey, Swimwear, Tricot
Blue
Bail Point 11 (75)
11 (75)
Leather, Suede Wedge Point Leather 11 (75)
Flannel, Velour, Velvet, Muslin, Velveteen, Poplin,
Corduroy, Broadcloth, Linen, Chintz, Gabardine, Felt.
Terry, Burlap, Quilted Fabrics
Red 14(90)
Medium
Double Knits, (synthetic and natural) Stretch
Velour,
Stretch Terry,
Sweater Knits
Ball Point 14(90)
Leather, Vinyl, Suede Wedge Point Leather 14(90)
Denim, Sailcloth, Ticking Denim 16(100)
Heavy
Double Faced Wool, Heavy Coating, Fake Fur,
Drapery Fabrics Purple 16(100)
Leather, Suede Wedge Point Leather
16(100)
Canvas, Duck, Uphoistery Fabrics Green
18(110)
Ail
V
Topstitching for Special Finish Topstitching
11 (75)
14(90)
y
16