Embroidery is a centuries-old skill in which people create beautiful designs on their fabrics to improve their appearance. Hand embroidery was first, however as time passes and technology takes place, an embroidery machine is introduced. One thing stays unchanged throughout this evolution, a needle. Because the needle is an essential element of embroidery, you must select the best embroidery machine needle.
After more than 20 years in the embroidery profession, I’ve noticed that beginners and even intermediate embroiders are still unsure about needles. I tested with various embroidery needles and machines to find the ideal one. So, here are some of the best needles that will help you.
Needle different parts:
Contents
Shank:
The top and thickest part of the needle is the shank. This part is inserted into the embroidery machine to hold the needle. The needle brand and number are also visible on the shank.
Shaft:
The shaft is a thin part below the shank that contains many components.
Eye:
The eye is a hole in the bottom of the needle through which the embroidery thread is threaded. The size of the eye is determined by the needle size.
Groove:
Groove is a cut made right below the needle’s eye. Its purpose is to keep the thread from becoming tangled with the bobbin.
Point:
The lower and sharp part of the needle is called the point. It can be of three different types; ballpoint, sharp, and rounded sharp. I believe that a sharp rounded needle will work well with most fabrics.
What to look in a needle?
When it comes to needle size, you should be aware that there are two standards: American and European. In American, size ranges from 8 to 9, while in Europe, it ranges from 60 to 120. It’s now up to you to decide which size is ideal for you.
Types of Embroidery Needles:
There are different types of needles:
Sharp:
Sharp are all-purpose embroidery needles having a medium size and sharp point. These are used for woven and heavy fabrics. A sharp needle is also suitable for applique and quilting.
Ballpoint:
When you are embroidering on multiple layers of dense fabric, a ballpoint needle will be helpful to you.
Stretch needle:
From its name, you can easily judge that it is used for stretch fabrics like elastic, swimwear, etc.
Universal:
When you hear the word “universal,” what comes to mind? Yes, you understand right. Universal is the most commonly used needle, which is best for lightweight fabrics.
Although there are some other needle types but they are not much helpful.
Best Embroidery Needles
Schmetz Assorted Embroidery Needles
Specifications:
- Color: Silver
- Size: 75/11- 90/14
- No of needles: 25
Schmetz is a well-known needle company that has experience in making different needles for a long time.
Schmetz Assorted needles can be used with all embroidery threads, including rayon and polyester thread. The shank of this needle has one rounded and one flat side. Overall it is compatible with all embroidery machines like Brother, Janome, Singer, etc.
- Best for embroidery and sewing
- Compatible with all machines
- Great price
- Break cheap thread
Brother SAEMB Embroidery needles
Specifications:
- Quantity: 20 needles
- Size: 75/11 and 90/14
- Eye: Large
Like an embroidery machine, Brother is also making top-quality needles. These needles are also best with no exceptions. They work great for me and smoothly pass through the fabric. It has a flat shank especially designed for embroidery and decorative stitches. To reduce tension ad stress on a thread it features a big size eye.
- Works great
- Compatible with all machines
- Works great with 40 and 60 weight thread
- Not compatible with Viking machine
Schmetz Embroidery Sewing Needles 130/705H
Specifications:
- Quantity: 25 needles
- Size: 90/14
- Color: Silver
This needle was very helpful for me for stitching many difficult projects. As I use polyester thread, and it works great. Overall from user reviews, I can judge that it works great with all types of threads. These needles are compatible with all kinds of embroidery and sewing machines.
- Best for big designs
- Value for money
- Works great with every machine
- Needle breaks if the machine is not compatible
Holan Embroidery Needles
Specifications:
- Size: 70 / 11, 130/705H
- Quantity: 30 needles
- Eye: Large
Holan needles are best for thin fabrics such as shirts, cotton fabrics, etc. These needles work greatly with all embroidery machines. The needles are made of stainless steel and are rust-resistant, so they will last a long time. Moreover, semicircle shank and large eye will help to reduce tension and stress on thread.
- Easy to thread
- Reduce thread breakage
- Affordable machine
- Newbies easily break thread
Frequently Ask Questions
Conclusion:
If you are reading till here, I am sure you must have selected one of the products. This was all from the best embroidery machine needle. I hope this is going to help you in making the best decision.
Thanks to my team for helping me throughout.