Pointed in the Right Direction Embroidery Project

Though small in size, needles have a large impact on the embroidery process. Typically, they are forgotten until a problem occurs. Embroiderers should make it a point to learn all they can about needles, such that they are comfortable with the terminology and the characteristics.

There are two sides to a needle: front and back. To properly insert the needle, first locate the straight side with the long groove. This is the front. It should be facing you when it’s inserted into the machine. The purpose of this groove is to guide the thread to the eye during the sewing process. It runs almost the entire length of the needle and its width is 40% of the needle width. This limits the maximum diameter of the sewing thread that can be used. The back of the needle contains the “scarf”, which is a short indentation above the eye. Its purpose is to enable the bobbin hook to pass close to the centerline of the needle. (The bobbin hook contains the bobbin case and rotates around it while sewing.)

There are several variables to consider when selecting a needle including: application, current size in use, needle eye size and thread type. Specific needle characteristics are as follows: needle size, needle points, and system number.