Embroidery Hub Ep. 34: Embroidery Needle Types | Which Needle for Which Fabric

Needles! Needles! Needles! There are so many needles to choose from, which needle do you need? Titanium, Chromium, 75/11, 60/8, sharp, universal, ballpoint...What does it all mean? In this episode of Embroidery Hub Laura explains the differences between the sizes, points, and finishes of needles and which needle for which fabric you should use.
It can be very frustrating trying to choose the right needle for a specific job or you might not even realize why your needles keep breaking or destroying your thread/garment. A lot of people don't realize how important needles can be when working on a sewing or embroidery project. Depending on the garment and thread that you are working with, needles need to be adjusted accordingly for the best results and efficiency.
After this episode, you'll learn the differences between embroidery needles and feel more confident when choosing needles for your next project.
For more embroidery tips and machine embroidery projects, make sure to watch our other embroidery hub episodes!
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Clip Used from Bruce Almighty

[@ArcanePath360]

As a beginner I never thought there was so much to learn just about needles and threads before even turning the machine on.

[@thomasnuk8079]

"Love it. Thanks to you I changed my niddle and my mini electrical sewing machine model no.:FHSM 318 Worked!' I thought my sewing machine was gonna be out of service . I thank you a lot and yes I'm gonna join your group on Facebook.

[@ricomatv]

We can't wait to welcome you!

[@ferdinandnekhudzhiga5379]

For silky material, which backing to use or what should i change on the machine

[@ricomatv]

Hi! Use a lightweight, no-show mesh or a soft tear-away stabilizer to avoid adding bulk and to prevent any visible backing through the delicate fabric. Switch to a smaller needle, like a 65/9 or 70/10 ballpoint, Lower the upper thread tension slightly. Silky fabrics are sensitive to puckering, and a lower tension helps avoid pulling too tightly on the fabric.

[@LauraDellinger]

Oh my gosh!! Thank you for the helpful information!! I will be revisiting this video many times!

[@threadchemistry]

Thought I could get away with fitting notes about this video on 1 post-it note.... Filled 5 post-its. 😁😁 Bahah. Very very informative. To the point. Great info. A LOT of great info at that.. Well done! Thanks so much!!

[@ricomatv]

Glad you enjoyed it! You are more than welcome to join our Facebook support group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery. This group is meant for all lovers of embroidery with lots of resources and more members discussing topics and helping each other out and learning about Ricoma machines and other brands! We recommend you join this group as we'd love to have you! facebook.com/groups/embroiderymastery

[@ricomatv]

+Distorted Crab Sorry accidentally deleted your comment while trying to respond. So the comment was "Great video. As a general rule, I use a ball-point for stretchy/knit fabrics (such as poloshirts, sweats, hoodies and polyester performance tops), and a sharp-point for woven fabrics. Is this correct?" Our response is yes, that is correct! You may get away with using a standard 75/11 sharp point on some fabrics that have stretch such as regular cotton polos, but to play it safe use a ball point whenever possible on stretchy fabrics!

[@cutflower36]

Ricoma Embroidery Machines OK, I been using the 75/11 but its the other letting on the packaging that I was wondering if I should be using the other needle. The one I had was. But I was wondering if it made a difference. Thanks by the waybill stepn2theam on instagram.

[@ricomatv]

No problem! Nice, we remember you from Instagram! Which needle do you currently use? Sharp-point or ball-point? Most embroiderers use sharp for most projects.

[@cutflower36]

Ricoma Embroidery Machines oh I use 75/11 Sharp, and the 70/10 ball. But all the extra letters on the packaging, like HAx1 130/705H 15x1 75/11 is what I have now but I was reading on the brother site , it said organ SAEMB 75/11. Just trying to figure does it matter or is it a difference? I do have a brother machine

[@ricomatv]

The only difference is that the needle you're using "HAx1 130/705H 15x1" is considered a home sewing machine needle, while the one Brother recommends is an embroidery machine needle. You should be fine with your home needle. The general rule of thumb is to use one size up if you're using a home sewing needle since the eye tends to be smaller. However, we always recommend using the needle your manufacturer recommends, as it's what works best with your specific machine. So maybe next time you stock up, see how the 75/11 sharp needles by Organ work! Hope this helps! Good luck :)

[@cutflower36]

Ricoma Embroidery Machines oh I see I do have the organ brand but it a sewing needle. I c now. OK I just purchased some of the ones with the brother part number. Thanks alot. Which size would u recommend when going up a size?

[@LisaMayfield]

Hello! I'm pretty much a beginner at machine embroidery, and I have a project I'm working on to create a free standing lace pattern that I will applique onto 80-year-old satin. At 2:15, you mention using a sharp needle for freestanding lace with water soluble stabilizer. What size needle should I be using for the lace patterns? And what type of thread should I use?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching. This is a great question to ask in our Facebook support group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery. This group is meant for all lovers of embroidery with lots of resources and more members discussing topics and helping each other out and learning about Ricoma machines and other brands! We recommend you join this group as we'd love to have you! facebook.com/groups/embroiderymastery

[@vlopez0220]

Is there such a thing as dbxk5 75/11 ballpoint light?

[@ayarioussama3396]

How Can i read thé ballpointe needle on it's pakage pls and thank in advance🙏❤️

[@ricomatv]

Were you referring to the description on the package?

[@ogray2635]

Would you recommend ballpoint needles for crewnecks? 50% polyester 50% cotton

[@ricomatv]

It totally depends on the logo or lettering you are doing! This is a great question to ask in our Facebook support group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery. This group is meant for all lovers of embroidery with lots of resources and more members discussing topics and helping each other out and learning about Ricoma machines and other brands! We recommend you join this group as we'd love to have you! facebook.com/groups/embroiderymastery

[@TerriVining]

So helpful. Thank you

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cyndiehuntsman2979]

hi thank you so much for sharing all this information. I am a new Recoma user and was wondering if there is a download sheet that we can continue to refer back to? thanks again.

[@ricomatv]

Hi! Of course! Here you go> info.ricoma.com/the-ultimate-embroidery-cheat-sheet

[@ericcastillo5248]

Great video and great information. Thank you

[@carlosbarajas382]

Is their a Video on how to change the needle it’s self

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, this should help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4mYdJ9trNWkrac&ab_channel=RicomaEmbroideryMachines

[@hisham6086]

Mam so for small lettering caps which thread and needle to be used please reply 🙏

[@ricomatv]

Hi, please check out this video in which we give you tips/tricks for small lettering ---> kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJDcZ5yep8SXm5o

[@emmanuelseayrom4032]

After how many stitches is it advisable to change a needle

[@ricomatv]

It is generally advisable to change your sewing machine needle after every 8-10 hours of sewing time.

[@ariclugw]

Thin fabric, what kinda needle size we should use?

[@ricomatv]

Hi! Here is an embroidery cheat sheet that can help! > info.ricoma.com/the-ultimate-embroidery-cheat-sheet

[@tashamills98]

Can I use those on a regular embroidering machine. I have a small one I have a brother sewing machine embroidering combo.

[@miguelsotomayor8020]

Hi, this is Miguel, again, thank you for your great advises, I was working on caps and I had like 4 break needles, so I decided to change all my needles to Titanium 90/14, can I do that? I don't want to keep changing needles for every project

[@ricomatv]

Hi Miguel! You can but you will need to adjust your timing. 80/12s titanium is the one we recommend for structured caps anything bigger than that could work but definitely you will need to change the timing to work with those needles. For needle breaks check out this article that goes over on how to prevent them: blog.ricoma.com/2019/05/28/4-reasons-why-needle-breaks-occur/

[@iamgroot7143]

what needles do i use for puff design on garments?

[@ricomatv]

You can use any needle with 3D puff just use the appropriate needle for the type of garment.

[@sonyasew2]

Hello Thanks for the info. What needle to use on terry towels and baby bibs. Normal thread and fine letter and full fill logos.

[@ArtWars314]

Terry would be ballpoint Depending on the size of the thread you would use the needle size accordingly normally 40wt would use 90/14 but it does depend on also the type of thread and the stretch of the knit. Normal every day sewing would use " universal "or " sharps" Fine letter or fill logo for embroidery, would use embroidery needle again depend on thread wt and material Typically if thread weight is day 100 wt super fine you would use a smaller needle like 80/12 70/11 60/10 on a " microtex" needle Unless filling some thing like jeans leather or super stretch ,filling in embroidery would u would go with the size of the thread with an embroidery needle Hope that helps😄😃🐥🐔🐧🐦🦜🦆😬

[@josemirellanegrete1755]

How do I assign needles on chroma?

[@ricomatv]

Hi Jose, what were you referring to?

[@JeremyJarosky]

Did you ever create a video on thread weights? I don't see it anywhere.

[@ricomatv]

I dont believe so but that could be a future episode. If you have any questions about threads I suggest going to our facebook group and asking there: facebook.com/groups/embroiderymastery/

[@shuggaraecreation2009]

DVXK5 needles are designed specifically for commercial embroidery? is there a embroidery needles for home embroidery machine and is sewing needles are suffice?

[@GluePaperScissors]

Should I use ball needles for baby crawlers and kids shirts?

[@ricomatv]

Yes you should if the fabric is stretchy.

[@GluePaperScissors]

Ricoma Embroidery Machines The MT was delivered with needles in. Can you tell me what needles were inserted for delivery?

[@bileesterling-barto3178]

Great video!

[@ricomatv]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@noranevers]

So if I am doing a sweatshirt and using cutaway on the back and wss on the front I should use a sharp because of the wss?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching. This is a great question to ask in our Facebook support group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery. This group is meant for all lovers of embroidery with lots of resources and more members discussing topics and helping each other out and learning about Ricoma machines and other brands! We recommend you join this group as we'd love to have you! facebook.com/groups/embroiderymastery

[@rebelsbutstarsllc7051]

Also do u know where I can find 65/9 needles for ricoma

[@ricomatv]

HI there, thanks so much for watching. Please check out www.madeirausa.com/

[@motastic1714]

Where is the best place to buy these needles?

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, you can purchase them on Textile USA! --->textileusa.net/

[@sherrylguy2172]

Pse can you tell me the type of needle for scuba, which is a 4way stretch fabric, what is the description for the stretch..eg DB X K5......thanks.

[@ricomatv]

We recommend using a 75/11 needle!

[@LucyLu70]

Thank you for this video. Will the Organ brand Titanium needles work with the EM1010 machine?

[@ricomatv]

As long as they are DBxK5 that's all that matters!

[@taevonthurman2141]

So what's the proper way to use titanium needles because after switching from non coated 75/11 to coated 75/11 my needles began to snap

[@ricomatv]

Hi Taevon. We recommend contacting our service team for further help. ricoma.com/US/support

[@rebelsbutstarsllc7051]

Can I use a 65/9 with 40w thread

[@ricomatv]

We recommend using 60W thread with 65/9 needles.

[@antoniolamarca6094]

Hello! what kind of needle do you recommend for embroidering on genuine leather for bags and clothing? we use soft leather with a maximum thickness of 1mm. thank you!

[@ricomatv]

The most recommended needle for garment leather is a light ball point 75/11. The blade size should be adequate to avoid needle deflection as the needle enters the leather. You can also use reinforced blade needles to help reduce deflection.

[@antoniolamarca6094]

What maximum thread thickness can I use with this needle? what type and brand of wire do you recommend? Thanks!!

[@nlessprintz9658]

best brand of needle to use for unstructured caps? machine is EM 1010

[@ricomatv]

Hello! 75/11 sharp point needle :)

[@judygollaway829]

Excellent info! Thank you sooooo much!

[@ricomatv]

You are so welcome!

[@thesociety-k5n]

There is a 6 digit number on the right side of the box.. Please what does this number mean?

[@ricomatv]

Hi, for which brand?

[@thesociety-k5n]

Groz Beckert

[@nissimkatumbi4777]

Hi I just purchased a Two-head MT-1502. I would like to know which needles you would recommend that I buy to start. Also please recommend where I can buy the needles from.

[@ricomatv]

You can use standard DBxK5 needles size 75/11. Can find them on amazon

[@ramonh6730]

What 80/12 needle do you recommend for caps? wanting to use the titanium neddle. will the Groz-Beckert 761562 work? Im a little confused on the point, it says its RG, if this is not the right one which should I use? thanks!!

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching. This is a great question to ask in our Facebook support group, Embroidery and Custom Apparel Mastery. This group is meant for all lovers of embroidery with lots of resources and more members discussing topics and helping each other out and learning about Ricoma machines and other brands! We recommend you join this group as we'd love to have you! facebook.com/groups/embroiderymastery

[@robingeu8467]

Is there a chart that talks about all of this?

[@ricomatv]

Not at the moment, we're looking into making one in the future, thanks :)

[@kofiopoku-acheampong2731]

Hi, I just bought Irish free hand embroidery machine from Ebay and I'm trying to figure which needle do I need. Ty

[@ricomatv]

Hi, different machines may require different types of needles. We covered needles for multi-needle home and commercial embroidery machines. For your free hand embroidery machine I would contact the company that manufactures those machines and ask them which needles work best for your machine.

[@TheSugaPlummGoddess]

I have a leather headrest cover project. Will #40 weight thread and a 80/12 needle be sufficient? Does it have to be a titanium needle or will regular needle work?

[@ricomatv]

Hi Dawn, thanks so much for watching. 40W thread and 80/12 should be fine, but if you do experience some needle breaks, try titanium needles. Also, make sure that you slow down your machine.

[@TheSugaPlummGoddess]

@@ricomatv Much gratitude for this response!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾And how slow would a good speed be when dealing with leather?

[@barbarabartram9477]

What type of needle to use for cotton fabric when lettering?

[@ricomatv]

To learn all the best materials for all kinds of fabrics, download our fabric cheat sheet -> info.ricoma.com/the-ultimate-embroidery-cheat-sheet

[@justinpaschke5459]

Do you have a handy dandy PDF to share about types of needles?

[@ricomatv]

We have a cheat sheet which helps you learn what supplies you need to use with 50 of the most popular fabrics in embroidery right here: info.ricoma.com/the-ultimate-embroidery-cheat-sheet

[@juliamchugh3190]

so helpful . Thank you

[@ricomatv]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zephfreeman6338]

How do you know when you need to change out your standard needle?

[@ricomatv]

If your machine is well configured and you get 3 thread breaks in a row then its a good time to change your needle.

[@sewkoolkreations]

What kind of needle should I use to embroider a name on a fur plush material stocking for best results?

[@ricomatv]

Hey there. Standard 75/11 sharp point Should be fine.

[@sewkoolkreations]

Thank you, video was super helpful to!!!

[@bevvanderwesthuizen223]

Please can you explain why does the needle loose the thread on start up or after cutting.

[@ricomatv]

Hi Bev, it seems like your experiencing thread pop outs, which is usually due to too much tension on that particular needle. Try reducing the tension on that needle by twisting the top tension knob counter-clockwise a full turn. Keep testing the tension by embroidering and tweaking the tension accordingly to get it just right. Good luck!

[@sandrareitnauer5033]

which ones are in the Ricoma machines when they are shipped?

[@ricomatv]

75/11 regular Groz-Beckert needles

[@barbaramarshall2536]

Thankyou

[@ricomatv]

You’re welcome 😊

[@5759inc]

thank u very helpful

[@ricomatv]

Glad it helped!

[@nayabdesigns]

I want to know about dabble hole niddle plezz tell me

[@aceboogie959]

Maybe this is a dumb question but ill ask it anyway. I find some thin t-shirts are very stretchy. Would u recommend a ballpoint needle for this tshirt or a sharp point needle? Thank you for your content, it really helps me to understand more about machine embroidery

[@ricomatv]

Ballpoint for stretchy fabrics. Don’t want to puncture more holes and make it even more porous

[@aceboogie959]

@@ricomatv thx a lot for taking the time to answer me

[@ricomatv]

No problem, hope it helps

[@mychalty]

Do the needles have flat shank?

[@ricomatv]

Hello, what are you referencing? The scarf of the needle in the back is flat.

[@youngcrafty3810]

For small details on hats using a 65/9, would you recommend a sharp or ball point? It was mentioned in another one of your videos to use a 65/9 but my needle kept breaking.

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, thanks so much for watching. We do recommend the 65/9. When embroidering structured hats, you can also steam the hat or dampen it by spraying it with a bit of water. This helps to make the material more penetrable! Hope this helps!

[@veefoxx]

You’re awesome I learned so much Thanks sweetie

[@ricomatv]

Happy to help!

[@JesusChrist-rt8md]

Why are there holes around my embroidery of lettering?

[@ricomatv]

Hi Jesus! What size lettering are you embroidering and what type of garment?

[@DadaPoopoo]

The devil did it.

[@n2dchaos]

You are awesome!

[@ricomatv]

Thanks!!!

[@tiloet]

Hi, which needle for 3d puff embroidery on hats?

[@ricomatv]

We would recommend an 80/12 needle or a 75/11 titanium needle.

[@tiloet]

so the grozzbeckert 75/11 needle would be perfect

[@ricomatv]

If it's a grozzbeckert 75/11 titanium needle then yes :)

[@denisefguajardo]

where can I buy these needles? How can I find a Ricoma dealer near me?

[@ricomatv]

For more information about our dealers, please contact us here > www.ricoma.us/contactus

[@qzd777]

more information is neded - if you are sponsored by ricoma talk more about recoma which sizs to use on what - give the model numbers

[@ricomatv]

Hi there, this KZbin channel is to help other apparel decorators by giving them tips, tutorials and much more. If you were looking for specific questions regarding our machines, please submit a request with the team so they can help ----> ricoma.com/US/contact-us

[@ArtWars314]

thx for making this.♥☺☺☻ Just a thought, I think it would have been helpful to have the camera zoomed in a STATIONERY needles so we can see it. hahah lol Seeing your face, and an out of focus needle that is moving/shaking and too far from the camera doesn't really help, haha lol so unless the camera zoomed in & aimed at a stationery needle ( instead of handheld), you might as well not hold up a needle at all. haha This is one of those videso that could have been shoot and aiming at the needles themselves and then just talk. Seeing the face of a narrator is really not as important as seeing the subject at hand up close., But your narration WAS helpful and the bloopers was entertaining! So you get points for that! so THANK YOU for making this regardless. Have a great day!Cheers! ♥☻☺

[@ricomatv]

Hi Vikki, thanks so much for watching! I have relayed your feedback to our video team! Thanks!

[@ArtWars314]

@@ricomatv Have a great day♥

[@davecarapel2590]

Needles for embroidery

[@ricomatv]

Hi Dave, did you have a specific question in regards to needles?

[@SundarLee]

Make a tutorial ...based indian wear blouse. Design

[@ricomatv]

Thanks for the request Sundar! We will look into this :)

[@caribecom100]

Very good information, but she speaks too fast...and i cannt understand. Have you this information in Spanish, please.

[@ricomatv]

Hello. You can tuns on spanish closed captioning on the bottom left of yours screen when watching the video.

[@mindsetmanagement2893]

Great info but she you were speaking fast

[@ricomatv]

Thank you for the feedback! Please let us know if you need any help.

[@PurplSugar]

Talks too fast but good info

[@ricomatv]

Thank you for the feedback.

[@annmcadory8626]

Great video!

[@ricomatv]

Glad you enjoyed it