By Aashu, owner of Stitch Partner, a store for sewing machine needles and spare parts in India.
Needles are made in different systems, and the wrong one will not fit or sew properly. The system is usually printed on the old needle's packaging or stamped on the needle itself. If you are unsure, check your machine manual or bring the old needle to compare.
The size number relates to the diameter of the needle blade. Finer fabrics generally suit a smaller number, and thicker fabrics a larger one. Match the needle to both your fabric and your thread.
Delivery across India, with cash on delivery available.
| Problem | Usual cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Skipped stitches | Bent, blunt or wrong-system needle | Fit a new needle of the correct system |
| Thread breaks | Needle too small for the thread, or damaged eye | Use a suitable size and a new needle |
| Holes or marks in fabric | Needle too thick or blunt | Use a finer needle for light fabric |
| Needle keeps breaking | Needle not fully seated, or hitting the plate or foot | Re-fit the needle and check the needle position |
See also the sewing machine needle size chart and the presser foot guide.
Check the manual or the needle currently fitted, because the system is printed on the needle pack. If unsure, send the machine model and a photo of the needle to Stitch Partner before ordering.
Change it when it is bent or blunt, after any needle strike, or when stitch quality drops. In heavy daily use many workshops change needles at a regular interval.
It is the thickness of the needle shaft. Use a thicker needle for heavy fabric and thread, and a finer needle for light fabric.
It is usually hitting the needle plate, the presser foot or the hook. Check that the needle is fully seated and straight, and check the plate and foot position.