Kenmore 385.17124 Owner's 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 will 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 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 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 a good quality thread. It should be strong, smooth and consistent in thickness.
WEIGHT FABRIC NEEDLE SiZE
Very Light Chiffon, Georgette, Fine Lace, Organdy, Organdy 9 (65)
Net, Tulle 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
TYPE OF NEEDLE
Universal
Ball Point
Orange
Blue
11 (75)
11 (75)
12 (80)
Blue 11 (75)
Single Knits, Jersey, Swimwear, Tricot Ball Point 11 (75)
Leather, Suede Wedge Point Leather 11 (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, Ball Point 14 (90)
Sweater Knits
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 (110)
Topstitching for Special Finish Topstitching 11 (75)
14 (90)
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