Stretch Machine Needles

If you have tried sewing ultra-stretch fabrics with your sewing machine then you know it can be difficult to achieve a good stitch quality - especially when you don't have the right needle. You may suffer from skipped stitches, puckering and pulls in the fabric. This is where stretch needles come in.

They are specifically designed for use on fabrics of high elasticity, such as those used for swimwear, dancewear, activewear and lingerie. The needle has a slightly rounded tip, similar to a ballpoint needle, which glides between the fabric fibres instead of piercing them, preventing snags, runs, or holes.

So should you use a ball point or a stretch needle? Well, 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. However, ball point are great for heavier, looser knits like t-shirt fabrics etc. 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.