Fundamentals of Clothing Construction

FUNDAMENTALS OF CLOTHING CONSTRUCTION 3(1+2)

Lesson 2 : Sewing Equipment and Tools

Machine sewing needles

Sewing machine needles are made up of steel. They are manufactured in different sizes and types for both industrial and home sewing machines. Size range from fine to coarse and are chosen with regard to interaction of yarn of the fabric and size of thread. Higher numbers indicate thicker points and coarser needles. Needles are standardized and classified with regard to the type and model number of machine on which they are used.

There are many different kinds of needles among which majority of sewing needles are listed below

1. Ball-point needles are used for sewing knits and meshes. The rounded tip of this needle passes between the fibers of the fabric.
2. Sharp-point needles are used for sewing fine woven fabrics. The pointed, sharp tip pierces the fibers of the fabric.
3. Universal point needles can be used for sewing both knits and woven’s. It is an excellent needle for general sewing use.
4. Denim needles are used for sewing heavy, dense fabrics such as denim.
5. Leather needles have a wedge-shaped tip for punching through leather, even for heavy vinyl and similar fabrics. Care should be taken while sewing with these needles as they leave large holes on removal of stitches.