Kenmore 385.17630 Owner's Manual page 24

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 wilt not be marred. Heavy fabrics require a needle large enough to pierce the fabric
without fraying the needle thread
In the needle case there is one each of size '1!, I4, 16, 18 and a btue 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 needte with a larger eye accom-
modates 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 good quality thread. It should be strong, smooth and consistent in thickness,
f
WEIGHT FABRIC TYPE OF NEEDLE NEEDLE SIZE
Very Light Chiffon, Georgette, Fine Lace, Organdy, Organdy Universal 9 (65)
Net, Tulle Bali Point 9 (65)
Light
Batiste, Voile, Lawn, Pure Silk, Crepe de Chine,
Sheer Crepe, Chambray, Handkerchief Linen,
Gingham, Challis, Percale, Wool Crepe, Peau de
Sole, Taffeta, Satin, Silk Surah, Satin-backed
Crepe, Qiana
Orange
Blue
Blue
Ball Point
11 (75)
11 (75)
12 (80)
11 (75)
tl (75)
Single Knits, Jersey, Swimwear, Tricot
Leather, Suede Wedge Point Leather t '1 (75)
Flannel, Velour, Velvet, Muslin, Velveteen, Poplin,
Corduroy, Broadcloth, Linen, Chintz, Gabardine, Red 14 (90)
Felt, Terry, Burlap, Quilted Fabrics
Medium
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)
Double Faced Wool, Heavy Coating, Fake Fur,
Heavy Drapery Fabrics Purple 16 (100)
Leather, Suede Wedge Point Leather 16 (100)
Canvas, Duck, Upholstery Fabrics Green 18 (1 t0)
Topstitching for Special Finish Topstitching 11 (75)
14 (90)
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