Proper Needle Usage
For best results remember:
Needles should be changed regularly
Dull needles can cause many embroidery problems
Ball point needles (BP) should be used for all knit fabrics (beanie hats or loosely woven fabrics). The ball point prevents fraying of the yarn in the fabric. It pushes the yarn apart rather then piercing through it that could create holes
Regular or Sharp point needles should be used for embroidering hats, woven fabrics or heavy fabrics
Titanium needles (PD) are significantly stronger. This reduces needle breakage, bending and distortion. A titanium-nitrade ceramic finish gives them more wear-resistance than any other needle The needle point will maintain its original shape and sharpness longer than conventional needles. Available in both Sharp (regular) and Ball Point
About Sizes:
Needles are referenced in two sizes, which refers to the diameter of the needle shaft, for Example 75/11. These numbers represent European and American sizing respectively (75 European /11 American) and will be referenced on a box of most needle. The Smaller the number, the smaller the diameter of the needle. ( a 65/9 is smaller than a 70/10 etc). A 70 needle is equivalent to a size 10, a 75 is equivalent to a 11, a 80 needle is equivalent to a size 12.
- DB-K5 needles are made with an oversized eye allowing the thread to flow through easier without fraying or snapping
- 16×257 needles has a smaller eye which is recommended for higher stitch counts and fine lettering
- 75/11 is the most popular all-purpose size,
- 80/12 for Tougher fabrics (hats and canvas totes)
- 70/10 for spandex or Lycra
- 65/9 is best for fine detail/ lettering when using #60 weight Embroidery Thread
- 15×1 is the proper needle for home embroidery machines
- DBxk5SS: Best for Leather
- DBxK7ST Best for Metallic Thread