Sears 385.12912 - Manual (Page 22)

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 wiil 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, Chambray, Handkerchief Linen,
Gingham, Challis, Percale, Wool Crepe, Peau de
Soie, Taffeta, Satin, Silk Surah, Satin-backed
Crepe, Ciana Orange
Blue
11 (75)
11 (75)
12(85)
Single Knits, Jersey, Swimwear, Tricot
Blue
Bali 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)
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 I Topstitching
11 (75)
14 (90) ^
14