Ball Point Machine Needles

Ballpoint sewing machine needles are specifically designed for sewing on knit and stretch fabrics, such as jersey, interlock, spandex and other stretchy materials. These needles have a rounded tip, which helps them slip between the fibres of knit fabrics without cutting or damaging the threads.

The blunt, rounded point avoids piercing the loops in knit fabrics, reducing the chances of runs or tears. They help prevent skipped stitches, a common issue when using a 'normal' sharp needle on knits. Perfect for sewing items like jerseys, t-shirts, ribbing and other knitwear, ballpoint needles ensure smooth, even stitching while preserving the fabric's elasticity.

But what is the difference between 'ball point needles' and 'stretch needles' and which should you use for your project? Well, ball point are great for heavier, looser knits like t-shirt fabrics etc. However, if you are sewing ultra stretchy fabrics like Spandex or Lycra, stretch needles are the perfect match as they have a slightly sharper ball point for penetrating the densely knitted fibres. As always, it's best to test on scraps of fabric and see which needle works best.

If you require a needle for a different application, have a look at our full range of sewing machine needles.