SINGER W1213 - Manual (Page 9)

rv. Choosing the Right Needle
Types of Needles
The correct selection of needle to suit the
thread and fabric being sewn gives the best
stitching results. Fine fabrics should be sewn
with fine needles, heavier fabrics with heavier
needles. For best results, sewing machine
needles should be replaced when they become
even slightly dull or bent or at the completion
of every other garment.
A regular needle is suggested for use with
woven fabrics. Needles, style 1 5 x 1 , (Euro­
pean equivalent System 705) are used on the
majority of household sewing machines. They
range in sizes from 8 to 20 with the lower
number indicating the finer needle. The most
commonly used sizes are 11 and 14.
A ball point needle is recommended for use
with tricots, jerseys, lingerie and power nets.
Unlike sharp, pointed needles, which pierce
fibers of knit fabrics, destroying elasticity, the
ball point sUps between fibers, preventing
damage to fabric and skipped stitches. These
are available in fine, medium, and heavy ball
points.
A wedge point needle is recommended for use
with leather and leather-look vinyls. A wedge
cutting point pierces leather more easily than
ordinary sewing machine needles, resulting in
more satisfactory stitching.
An all purpose needle is designed to handle
knits as well as woven fabrics. It eliminates
skipped stitches and the slight ball will not
damage delicate fabrics. This is the needle
provided with your sewing machine and will
be used for most of your sewing. A larger ball
point may still be necessary for certain knits,
such as bathing suit fabric or power net.