Selecting Needle And Fabric - Kenmore 385.15343 Owner's Manual

Selecting Needle and Fabric
For general sewing, use needle sizes 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 sizes 11, 14, 16, and 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.
F I TYPE OF NEEDLE NEEDLE SIZE "
WEIGHT FABRIC
Chiffon, Georgette, Fine Lace, Organdy, Organdy Universal 9 (65)
Very Light Net, Tulle Ball Point 9 (65)
\
Light
Medium
Heavy
All
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
Single Knits, Jersey, Swimwear, Tricot
Leather, Suede
Flannel, Velour, Velvet, Muslin, Velveteen, Poplin,
Corduroy, Broadcloth, Linen, Chintz, Gabardine,
Felt, Terry, Burlap, Quilted Fabrics
Double Knits, (synthetic and natural) Stretch
Velour,
Stretch Terry,
Sweater Knits
Leather, Vinyl, Suede
Denim, Sailcloth, Ticking
Double Faced Wool, Heavy Coating, Fake Fur,
Drapery Fabrics
Leather, Suede
Canvas, Duck, Upholstery Fabrics
Topstitching for Special Finish
Orange
Blue
Blue
Ball Point
Wedge Point Leather
Red
Ball Point
Wedge Point Leather
Denim
Purple
Wedge Point Leather
Green
Topstitching
11 (75)
11 (75)
12 (80)
11 (75)
11 (75)
11 (75)
14 (90)
14 (90)
14 (90)
16 (100)
16 (100)
16 (100)
18 (110)
11 (75)
14 (90)
14