Kenmore 385.15516 - Manual (Page 22)

Selecting Needle and Fabric
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 needle set there is one each of size 11,14,16, 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
Ball Point 11 (75)
11 (75)
Leather, Suede Wedge Point Leather 11 (75)
Medium
Flannel, Velour, Velvet, Muslin, Velveteen, Poplin,
Corduroy, Broadcloth, Linen, Chintz, Gabardine, Felt,
Terry, Burlap, Quilted Fabrics
Red 14(90)
Double Knits, (synthetic and natural) Stretch
Velour,
Stretch Terry
Sweater Knits
Ball Point 14(90)
Leather, Vinyl, Suede Wedge Point Leather 14(90)
Heavy
Denim, Sailcloth, Ticking Denim 16(100)
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)
Topstitching for Special Finish
V
Topstitching
11 (75)
14(90)
y
14