Brother International DreamWeaver„ VQ3000 Users Manual - English - Page 54

ABOUT THE NEEDLE AND FABRIC ABOUT THE NEEDLE AND FABRIC About the Needle The sewing machine needle is probably the most important part of the sewing machine. Choosing the proper needle for your sewing project will result in a beautiful finish and fewer problems. Below are some things to keep in mind about needles. • The smaller the needle number, the finer the needle. As the numbers increase, the needles get thicker. • Use fine needles with lightweight fabrics, and thicker needles with heavyweight fabrics. • To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 with stretch fabrics. • To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 when sewing character or decorative stitches. Note • Never use a thread of weight 20 or lower. It may cause malfunctions. Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations The following table provides information concerning the appropriate thread and needle for various fabrics. Please refer to this table when selecting a thread and needle for the fabric you wish to use. Fabric type/Application Thread Medium weight fabrics Thin fabrics Thick fabrics Type Broadcloth Cotton thread Taffeta Synthetic thread Flannel, Gabardine Silk thread Lawn Cotton thread Georgette Synthetic thread Challis, Satin Silk thread Denim Cotton thread Stretch fabrics Easily frayed fabrics For top-stitching Corduroy Tweed Jersey Tricot Synthetic thread Silk thread Thread for knits Cotton thread Synthetic thread Silk thread Synthetic thread Silk thread Size 60 - 90 50 60 - 90 50 30 50 50 - 60 50 - 60 50 - 90 50 30 50 - 60 Size of needle 75/11 - 90/14 65/9 - 75/11 90/14 - 100/16 Ball point needle (gold colored) 75/11 - 90/14 65/9 - 90/14 100/16 90/14 - 100/16 Memo • For transparent monofilament nylon thread, always use needle sizes 90/14 or 100/16. The same thread is usually used for the bobbin thread and upper thread. CAUTION • Be sure to follow the needle, thread, and fabric combinations listed in the table. Using an improper combination, especially a heavyweight fabric (i.e., denim) with a small needle (i.e., 65/9 - 75/11), may cause the needle to bend or break, and lead to injury. Also, the seam may be uneven, the fabric may pucker, or the machine may skip stitches. B-52