Whether you are interested in creating new pillow covers for your home or hemming a pair of pants, you might be wondering what your sewing machine needs to be equipped with during your next project. Like any other craft, there is a lot to know about sewing, and having the right supplies on hand for your specific material is important. Below are three types of sewing machine needles you may need, and how they can help you to prevent problems. 

3 Common Sewing Machine Needles You May Need

1. Universal

Perfect for the average craft project, universal needles have a light ballpoint tip, allowing them to slice through the majority of fabrics. As a hybrid between medium and sharp ballpoints, universal needles work well for cotton blends, knitted fabrics, and even some heavier materials. You can purchase universal needles in large packs with a variety of gauge sizes, just in case one of them snaps while you are working.  

2. Jeans

When you need to sew jeans or other heavy materials, a universal needle may not be hefty or sharp enough to slice through the fabric and create the stitches you need without snapping. Needles made for jeans are made with sharp, set-point needles, which can give them the chance to get through the fabric quickly and easily. Jean sewing needles can also be used successfully with heavier weaves of fabric, such as canvas. 

3. Jersey 

On the other hand, knitted fabrics could be damaged if sharp needles are used since it could cause the fibers to fall apart at the seams. For this reason, needles made for jersey fabrics contain duller, medium ballpoint needles, allowing the needle to slide past fibers and sew in areas where it won’t harm the fabric. 

If you need a new set of needles for your next sewing project, turn to Riehl Sew N Vac in Anchorage, AK. Since forming their company in 1983, this trusted sewing machine supplier has been helping people to find the right systems for their crafting and creation needs. To learn more about their available inventory of sewing machines, cabinetry, and vacuums, visit their website or give their store a call at (907) 563-2909.