Selecting Needle And Fabric - Kenmore 385.15510200 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 good quality thread. It should be strong, smooth and consistent in
its thickness.
WEIGHT FABRIC TYPE OF NEEDLE NEEDLE SIZE
Chiffon, Georgette, Fine Lace, Organdy, Organdy Universal 9 (65)
Very Light Net, Tulle Ball Point 9 (65)
Batiste, Voile, Lawn, Pure Silk, Crepe de Chine, Orange 11 (75)
Sheer Crepe, Chambray, Handkerchief Linen, Blue 11 (75)
Gingham, Challis, Percale, Wool Crepe, Peau de Soie, 12 (80)
Taffeta, Satin, Silk Surah, Satin-backed Crepe,
Light Qiana
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, Felt, Red 14 (90)
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, Purple 16 (100)
Heavy Drapery Fabrics
Leather, Suede Wedge Point Leather 16 (100)
Canvas, Duck, Upholstery Fabrics Green 18 (110)
11 (75)
All Topstitching for Special Finish Topstitching 14 (90)
14