Meaningless Numbers? NOT! Embroidery Project

The System Number is an additional descriptive term for needles. It is actually a combination of numbers and/or letters referring to the total length of the needle and variations in the needle eye. Each machine is set up to use a specific Needle System Number. Changing to a needle with a different System Number may require changing the timing of the machine.

Here are some examples of commonly used needles for commercial embroidery machines. Your manufacturer will tell you which is appropriate for your model.

DBxK5 – This is considered the standard needle for many of the popular brands of commercial embroidery machines. It works well with most threads.

DBx7ST – This needle is similar to the DBxK5, except that it has a larger eye that is elongated and rectangular in shape. It’s designed to be used with metallic threads.

DBx9ST – This needle is designed for use with heavy embroidery threads and has an eye size twice as large as a basic needle such as the DBxK5.

(In most cases, the above listed needles are interchangeable.)

Here are some other common needles. They are not necessarily interchangeable with the ones listed above or each other.

16x257 – The shaft of this needle is longer than that of the “DB” systems.

287 WKH – This needle system offers a large eye and a longer shaft than the 16x257 needle. It is not interchangeable with the “DB” series or the 16x257.

15x1 – This needle is found on smaller equipment such as the Home Embroidery machines. It will not work on larger commercial machines.

The Needle System numbers are just as important as the Needle Size numbers. Check with your machine manufacturer to find out what is recommended for you machine.