Kenmore 385. 19000 - Manual (Page 38)

Selecting Needle and Thread
For general sewing use needle size 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 needles case there is one each of size 11, 14, 16, 18 and blue needle. Use a 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 is used to effectively pierce 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 m 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
Bail Point
9 (65)
9(65)
Light
Batiste, Voile, Lawn, Pure Silk, Crepe de Chine,
Sheer Crepe, Chambray, Handkerchief Linen,
Gingham, Challis, Percale, Wool Crepe, Peau de
Soie, Taffeta, Satin, Silk Surah, Satin-backed
Crepe, Qiana
Blue
Orange
H (75)
11 (75)
12 (80)
Single Knits, Jersey, Swimwear, Tricot
Blue
Ball 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, Upholstery Fabrics Green
18 ( 110 )
V
Topstitching for Special Finish Topstitching
11 (75)
14 (90) j
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