Sewing Machine Needles

All of the sewing machines needles on our site will be compatible with any domestic sewing machine from the last 30 years or more. If you have a Brother, Janome, Husqvarna Viking, Pfaff, Bernina, Singer or any other relatively modern domestic sewing machine you can be confident that our needles will fit.

However, there are exception to the rule and these are really old machines, industrial sewing machines and overlockers for which you may need specific needle types. In this case, it's time to check your manual!

Universal sewing machine needles in size 80/12 are perfect for 'normal' sewing. These are the needles you get with your sewing machine, and are great for general purpose use with medium weight woven fabrics and 'normal' weight polyester thread like Gutermann Sew-All.

For an 80/12 sewing machine needle, the '80' is the European size and and '12' is the American size. We love to be different! The smaller the number the finer the needle, the larger the number the thicker the needle. Finer needles are great on delicate and lightweight fabrics, whereas the thicker needles are ideal for heavy weight fabrics with heavier threads.

Selecting the correct sewing machine needle will give the best stitching results. The right needle type depends on both the fabric type and the fabric weight.

Firstly, you need to match the needle type to the fabric. For general sewing on woven cottons and polyesters, use a universal needle. For sewing with jersey and stretch fabrics use a 'stretch' or 'ball point' needle, and a 'jeans' needle is perfect for denim.

For fabric weight, select a size 80/12 for a medium weight fabrics, for light weight fabrics drop to a size 60 or 70, and for heavier weight try size 90 to 110. For example, for a very heavy weight denim use 110/18 jeans needles.

For a comprehensive guide see our 'How to Choose the Right Sewing Machine Needle' article.

Changing the needle regularly ensures smooth stitching and prevents damage to your fabric. You should change your sewing machine needle after every 8 hours of sewing or at the start of a new project. Just remember that your needle will wear out sooner if you're working with heavy fabrics. Replace the needle sooner if you notice any issues like skipped stitches, fabric snags, or a dull point. Some seasoned sewists can actually hear when the needle needs changing - it starts to make more of a 'thumping' noise as it penetrates the fabric.

Well, actually there is. Please please do not use your sewing machines needle threader on a needle smaller than a size 80/12. You risk having the fine metal hook of the needle threader crashing into the needle and bending.