Hand sewing needles: main types and purpose. MANPADS "Igla": characteristics, history of creation The first sewing needle

The needle is one of the most important elements in a sewing machine. It is responsible for the quality of the seam created and the speed of work in general. That is why it is so important to be able to select the right tool suitable for this type of work. Needles for sewing machines are usually marked - for this they use letters and numbers, each of which carries certain information. Recently, colors have been added to these markers. This solution makes the tailor’s life much easier, allowing him to quickly find the right needle.

Each marking indicates the type of tool suitable for working with a particular fabric. The following types of needles exist.


Digital marking

As mentioned earlier, the quality of the future product depends on the correct choice of needle, especially for home machines. Machines like Brother are designed to handle a wide variety of jobs, so you need to pay special attention to choosing the right tools and materials.

So, let's look at the symbols on the needles. The number in the first place gives information about needle diameter, as a rule, this value is indicated in hundredths of a millimeter. Thus, the lower the number you see, the more invisible the hole made for the thread will be.

The next marking number (written after the fraction) indicates the number of this needle for countries that use a non-metric measurement system - yards, miles, inches, etc. For example: a needle No. 80\12 has a diameter of eight tenths of a millimeter, as indicated by the applied marking.

Experts do not recommend constantly choosing needles of small diameter - their size may not be suitable for denser fabric. The owner of any machine - Brother, Janome, Bernina - when changing the type of fabric, it is recommended to choose a tool suitable for processing it.

Choosing a sewing needle

There are several rules for this.

  1. From cone shapes The purpose of the working tool depends. The round bulb is commonly used in industrial device needles. In a household machine, it is necessary to install needles with a special cut made on the bulb for proper installation in the socket. By installing a needle with a round cone in a household machine, you risk causing serious damage.
  2. Never throw away instructions or documentation containing technical instructions for operating the device. They contain the numbers and markings of the needles that are suitable for the job.
  3. Before starting work, inspect the needle for external damage. If it is bent or has lost its edge, do not try to correct the situation yourself. Needles cannot be repaired even by professionals; they should simply be thrown away.
  4. Select needles that are suitable for the fabric being processed. An error in choice most often leads to marriage. The fabric exhibits effects such as wrinkling, skipped stitches, noticeable holes, and the like.

Sewing needles are the smallest but very important part of any sewing machine. Compared to other parts, sewing needles experience the greatest stress. Therefore, the quality of the stitching and the appearance of many defects in the operation of the sewing machine depend on the condition of the needle, its type and settings.

1. Sewing needle may cause stitch defects

Sewing machine needles should be carefully selected not only to match the fabric, but also to the thread used. Any instructions for a sewing machine contains recommendations for the use of threads and needles; be sure to follow these requirements. Skipped stitches, needle breakage, thread breakage, thread looping in a stitch often occur due to the fact that the wrong size or type of needle is used on the sewing machine, the needle is bent or dull.

2. Defects in sewing needles cannot be corrected.

Before installing the needle, you need to check whether it is bent, dull or rusty. There are other defects, for example, the absence of an eye or its incorrect location in relation to the thread groove, but this is quite rare.

Defective sewing needles, including curved and blunt ones, it is better to throw them away immediately so that they do not fall into your hands. Never attempt to sharpen or straighten a sewing needle. Any needle defect of this type cannot be corrected. Sewing needles, especially sewing machine needles, are made of especially strong steel, and a good needle is one that breaks when hit or tried to straighten it, rather than bending like a nail.

3. When installing the needle, pay attention to the shape of the bulb


Pay attention to the needle flask (the upper part that is inserted into the needle bar). Quite often, seamstresses use needles with a round bulb (without cutting) for their household sewing machines. Needles with such a bulb are used only for industrial machines and are sometimes found in household overlockers.

A sewing needle for household sewing machines always has a cut on the bulb (for error-free installation). The use of industrial sewing needles always leads to malfunctions and sometimes to serious damage.


Before buying new needles, it is advisable to have a sample with you or write down from the instructions the exact markings of the needles recommended for a given sewing machine or overlocker. The instructions always indicate the brand of needle, needle numbers (thickness) of recommended sizes depending on the thickness of the fabric and thread.
It is especially important to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations when replacing a needle in an overlocker. The fact is that the needles can not only be of different lengths, but also have a number of differences in the flask. The diameter of the bulb may be thinner or thicker, the length of the bulb itself may also differ, etc. This may affect some settings of the sewing machine and especially the overlocker. As a result, malfunctions will appear, for example, skipping a stitch in a line.
Although this is not very relevant, sometimes you should pay attention to this when looking for the reasons for the gaps that appear after replacing the needle.
Needle numbers for household sewing machines: 65; 70; 75; 80; 90; 100; 110; 120; 130. The most common numbers are 80; 90; 100. This is the size of needle you should always have in your kit.

It is difficult to visually determine whether the needle is straight or bent. Use this method (see picture) to check the curvature of the needle. Such a test may be useful to you if you cannot find the cause of skipped stitches on your sewing machine or overlocker. Sometimes it happens that the nose of the shuttle or the looper of the overlocker gets into the needle itself. The needle bends slightly, but in appearance it is absolutely straight. This results in skipped stitches in the stitching. Always start searching for the cause of gaps by checking the needle.

The curvature of the sewing needle is checked against a dark background by quickly scrolling. If the point of the needle remains at one point, then it is straight.
A dull needle can be identified by running the nail of your right thumb along the tip of the needle. The nail will definitely reveal a bent place on the tip.
Never use sewing needles with rust. They will ruin the fabric, especially thin and delicate fabric, and hold the thread as it moves along the needle.

6. European sewing needle sizing system

The European system of needle sizes for sewing machines includes sizes from 60 to 120, according to the diameter of the needle. The American system is from 8 to 21. To avoid confusion, both numbers are put on the packaging, for example 60/8 or 100/16. Needles 60/8 with a diameter of 0.6 mm, and 100/16 - 1 mm. The lower the number, the thinner the needle.

7. Types of sewing needles for household sewing machines


Sharp sewing needles are good for all woven materials, especially heavy and dense ones. Used for finishing stitching because their sharp end easily pierces the fabric. Sizes: from 60/8 to 120/20.

Universal needles are used for sewing all types of fabrics. Large sizes are convenient to use for finishing stitching. The slightly rounded needle tip easily penetrates the fabric. Sizes: from 60/8 to 120/20.

Sewing needles with a rounded point are used for sewing knitwear. The rounded point of the needle passes between the loops without piercing them. Sizes: from 60/8 to 100/16.

Leather needles easily pierce leather without tearing or missing stitches. It is not recommended to use them for sewing products made from synthetic suede. They have the shape of a sharp wedge. Sizes: from 90/14 to 110/18.

The twin sewing machine needle is used for decorative stitching, finishing stitching and pleat pinning. Two needles are attached to one leg. Sizes: from 80/12 to 90/14, thickness: from 1.8 to 4.0 mm. The 75/11 double needle for elastic materials has a width of 4.0 mm.

A sewing needle for denim, or a denim needle, is used for sewing very thick fabrics. Its tip does not bend, as it has a rounded shape. She has a strong trunk and a small ear. Sizes: from 90/14 to 110/18.

A finishing stitch needle with a large eye is designed for working with thick, decorative threads. Doesn't skip stitches or fray the thread. Sizes: from 80/12 to 110/18.

A needle with wings is designed for making decorative seams on a sewing machine. Pulls threads apart to create a hole in crisp fabrics such as linen. It has two wings (on each side of the ear). Sizes: from 100/16 to 120/20.

The self-threading needle is convenient for those who have difficulty threading a needle. On the needle, next to the eye, there is a slot through which the thread is threaded into the eye. The needle is used for working with medium weight fabrics. Sizes: from 80/11 to 100/16.


Good sewing needles should not bend when struck. They must break. This is a property of high-quality hardened steel. If you bought sewing needles, and in extreme situations they do not break, but bend, then these are needles of very low quality. Buy only good quality sewing needles.


The twin needle is used for sewing machines that perform zigzag stitches. The width between the needles should not exceed the width of the needle plate hole. Both needles should fit freely into the hole without touching the walls. Double needles come in many varieties. There are sewing needles that have three needles at a time.


The sewing hook for any sewing machine is its main device. The quality of operation of the sewing machine, the absence of skips and thread breaks, depend on the condition and settings of the interaction of the sewing needle and the shuttle. The sewing needle forms a loop for the hook nose to grip.


Sewing needles- the first reason for the appearance of gaps in the stitching of a sewing machine. Use only good quality needles, match them to the thickness of the threads and fabric. Periodically replace old needles with new ones. Then, the sewing machine will not knock during operation and the stitching will be of high quality when sewing any fabrics.


The bobbin, like sewing needles, affects the formation of the stitch. A bobbin with notches on the edges of the walls, with broken walls, or with a rough surface prevents the free removal of the lower thread, which leads to the appearance of various kinds of stitching defects.

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The anti-aircraft forces of the Russian Army are armed with MANPADS "Igla" and "Verba" - an effective means of defense in combat and field conditions. Moreover, the first systems have long gained unconditional and well-deserved popularity, while analogues to the second systems do not yet exist in the world.

History of creation

The insufficient characteristics and capabilities of the MANPADS (man-portable air defense system) of the Strela family have acutely raised the question of the need to create a more advanced model. The development was entrusted to the Design Bureau of Mechanical Engineering (Kolomna, chief designer Invincible S.P.) with the possibility of involving engineers from other enterprises (LOMO, Central Design Bureau of Apparatus Engineering (electronic tablet), Research Institute of Measuring Instruments (radar interrogator)) to solve specialized issues. The project, called "Igla", started in February 1971. The designers had to, taking into account the wishes of military specialists and accumulated experience, create a new system without directly copying existing units and components. Particular attention was paid to the following issues:

  • reliable identification of the target (nationality) to eliminate the likelihood of hitting friendly aircraft;
  • effective protection of missile homing sensors from acquisition of false targets (optical and thermal interference decoys);
  • increasing the range of destruction of objects on oncoming courses;
  • increasing the combat power of the striking part of the guided missile.

Test tests of the 9K38 Igla MANPADS were planned for the end of 1973, but the technical difficulties that the designers had to face delayed this event by more than seven years.

general description

The 9K38 "Igla" MANPADS includes the following combat elements:

  • Anti-aircraft guided missile (SAM) 9M39, made on the basis of a jet aircraft with a two-stage solid propellant engine. Onboard systems provide controlled flight and approach to the target using passive optical guidance.
  • Launch tube 9P39. Serves for targeted missile launch and ensuring the safety of the operator and others. At the same time it acts as a container for carrying and storing the rocket.
  • Trigger mechanism (9P516-1). An audible signal informs about the identity of the target and its capture. A disposable power supply with refrigerant and electricity facilitates the preparation of the complex for start-up.

Means of communication (target designation and communications) in the Igla MANPADS system are represented by the R-157 radio station (or an analogue) and the 1L15-1 tablet. The tablet simultaneously displays the location and direction of movement of 1 to 4 objects within a radius of 12,500 m. Data in the form of a codogram is transmitted from the command post (battery, division, etc.). To carry out routine maintenance and maintenance both in stationary and field conditions, the complex is equipped with a 9V866 mobile control point and 9F719 testing equipment.

For training and improvement of combat skills and psychophysiological training of anti-aircraft gunner operators, the Igla MANPADS is equipped with educational and training equipment:

  • Unified field simulator 9F635 and kit 9F663.
  • Cut-out and dimensional mock-ups of the complex's combat weapons for testing standards and handling rules. Electrified stands clearly demonstrate the structure and operating principle of the Igla MANPADS. Photos and videos make learning easier.

MANPADS "Igla". Rocket characteristics

The 9M39 missile defense system is designed to destroy propeller-driven, turboprop and jet aircraft in a nearby protected area on a head-on or catch-up course while visually fixing the target in conditions of natural and created interference. The layout of the rocket did not differ from similar domestic ammunition and consisted of four compartments:

  • The first (OGS) contains three functional systems - autopilot (rudders control), target coordinator and tracking equipment.
  • The second (steering) includes a steering device, a powder control motor and a pressure accumulator, destabilizers, a power supply, and an angular velocity sensor.
  • The third (combat) consists directly of the warhead and contact fuse, explosive generator and communication connections to the power source.
  • In the fourth (propulsion) engine, the main and starting engines are located sequentially one after another. The stabilizer wings are mounted on the outer side of the nozzle block.

The maximum range of the Igla MANPADS in pursuit of a flying target reaches 5.2 km at an altitude of up to 2.5 km.

To reduce the aerodynamic drag of the rocket, the nose cone has a metal nozzle in the shape of a characteristic needle. The radome itself is a special glass in the shape of a meniscus (to transmit radiation from the target with minimal distortion and loss).

To replace "Strela"

From the combined table of technical characteristics of the Igla and Strela MANPADS systems of various modifications, it becomes obvious that the expected complex lived up to expectations. It is worth noting that since 1978, in parallel with the main work, a simplified version of the system was being developed. The Igla-1 MANPADS used a modified thermal seeker from the Strela-3 for missile homing. The complex was tested in the first half of 1980. The government commission, under the leadership of Yu.I. Tretyakov was satisfied with the demonstrated performance characteristics of the Igla-1 MANPADS, and a year later, the complex entered service.

Characteristics of Soviet-Russian MANPADS
Complex
Strela-2Strela-2MStrela-3Igla-1Needle

Weight (kg)

Combat14,5 15 17 17,9 17,9
Pokhodnaya15,8 16,5 18,3 20 20
Hitting distance (m)

Catching range/

towards

3400 4200 4100 5200 5200
- - - 3000 3300

Height after/

towards

1500 2300 3000 2500 2500
- - - 2500 2500
Maximum speed of air targets (m/s)
Catch up220 260 310 320 320
Towards- 150 260 360 360
Average rocket speed (m/s)430 430 400 600 600
Weight of missiles (kg)9,15 9,15 10,3 10,8 10,8
Warhead mass (kg)1,17
Probability of hitting an aircraft with the first missile (after catching)0,19-0,25 0,22-0,25 0,31-0,33 0,44-0,59 0,45-0,63
Adoption (year)1966 1970 1974 1981 1983

The Igla-1 MANPADS device is distinguished by a number of innovative technical solutions. For the first time, a firing mode switch (towards/towards) and a system for post-launch orientation of the rocket were used. A substance with a powerful high-explosive effect was placed in the warhead of the missile defense system. The fuse was equipped with contact and induction sensors; for the first time, it was possible to detonate unspent propellant fuel from the main engine.

Features of the seeker

A special source of pride for the Igla designers is the thermal homing head (GOS). The two-channel system 9E410 was developed and implemented by specialists from LOMO JSC under the leadership of chief designer O.L. Artamonov. The seeker is capable of identifying true targets, separating them from false ones, including artificial interference in the infrared range.

The main channel is made on the basis of a photoresistor cooled with liquid nitrogen (-200 C˚) with a maximum spectral sensitivity in the range of 3.5-5 microns (the spectral radiation density of the jet stream of an aircraft engine). The maximum sensitivity of the auxiliary channel photodetector is concentrated in the 1.8 - 3 µm sector (the spectral radiation density of thermal “interference traps”). The basic rule for deciding whether a target is true is as follows: when the signal level of the main photodetector exceeds the signal level of the additional one, the target is on course; otherwise, it is a “trap.”

The performance characteristics of the Igla MANPADS and the seeker of an anti-aircraft missile make it possible to destroy an enemy aircraft with maximum active protection (shooting heat traps every third of a second, with a total radiation power 6 times greater than the radiation power of the target) on a head-on and catch-up course with a probability of 0.39 and 0.39, respectively. 0.24. All previous portable systems are simply not operational in such conditions. When approaching the target, the guidance system deflects the missile at a certain angle so that the more vulnerable central part of the aircraft fuselage is in the affected area.

Modifications "Needles"

The Igla MANPADS entered the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union in 1983. Based on the basic model, Kolomna Design Bureau subsequently developed specialized modifications of the complex:

  • "Igla-V", designed to enhance the combat power of helicopters and to arm ground combat equipment. The Strelets and Komar kits were developed for installation on ground combat vehicles.
  • "Igla-D" is a variant developed for arming units of the Airborne Forces. Through the efforts of the designers, the linear dimensions of the complex, thanks to the collapsible launch tube, in the transport position were minimized to 1100 × 400 × 200 mm.

The main difference between the second generation of Igla 2m (N) MANPADS is a new anti-aircraft missile with a warhead of increased power, which significantly increases the likelihood of destroying an enemy aircraft. And finally, the third generation - the Igla-S complex passed test tests in 2001, and a year later, it expanded the arsenal of anti-aircraft units of the Russian Armed Forces.

Compared to the basic characteristics of the Igla MANPADS, the destruction range has been increased to 6 thousand meters, the height to 3.5 thousand meters. The power of the warhead and the fragmentation efficiency of the anti-aircraft missile have increased significantly. The kit now necessarily includes Mowgli night vision optics.

To fire two missiles at once, the Dzhigit launcher was designed, equipped with a “friend or foe” determination unit, a self-diagnosis function and maintenance means. Preliminary targeting of the target is carried out manually. When firing in salvos, the probability of eliminating an air target increases by 1.5 times.

Versatility

In the Igla MANPADS, the characteristics and structure of the equipment ensure high continuity in operation. The modification process did not affect the size of the complex, the seats for its fastening and the dimensions of the packaging containers. The missile defense system of the Igla-S complex will easily fit into launchers of early modifications instead of previous missiles. Fastening elements for night vision optics, included in the basic package of version “C,” allow the device to be mounted on any Igla launcher.

It is very important that an experienced anti-aircraft gunner does not need to undergo serious and long-term retraining to work with modernized versions of the complex. For training combat crews, both the new universal simulator "Konus" and the previous training facilities for MANPADS "Igla" and "Igla-1" can be used.

Guarding the sky

Experts note the high operational and reliable transport characteristics of the Igla 9K38 MANPADS. The technical documentation does not indicate any restrictions on combat use in conditions of local fires and during simultaneous firing with stationary anti-aircraft installations. The use of standard equipment during landing (on vehicles or parachute platforms) eliminates the negative impact on the combat and operational qualities of the complex.

The anti-aircraft missile does not pose a danger to personnel even when the body is shot through by bullets, as well as when falling from low heights (up to 5 m). There are no restrictions on range when transporting missiles by rail, air or water transport. For wheeled and tracked vehicles, such restrictions are 5 thousand and 3 thousand kilometers, respectively. There are no climatic restrictions for the region where the complex is stored and operated. It is able to function effectively in any weather conditions, and even after half an hour in water at a depth of no more than 0.5 m. Reliable packaging ensures the operation of the MANPADS when dropped from a height of no more than 2 m, and withstands strong vibration and mechanical shocks. Shelf life in equipped premises is up to 10 years, in unequipped premises - 7 years, in field conditions - 4 years. The shelf life outside the package with constant readiness is 2 years, while transferring to combat use takes no more than 13 seconds.

No man is an island!

More than four dozen countries around the world have adopted Igla anti-aircraft systems. The first cases of combat use date back to 1991 during the armed conflict in the Persian Gulf region. According to some reports, Iraqi military personnel destroyed or disabled 12 combat aviation units of the International Coalition. It was the use of Russian MANPADS that forced the British Air Force to abandon the tactics of attacks from low altitudes with Tornado fighter-bombers.

In civil wars in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Syria, and in numerous local hotbeds of tension, portable anti-aircraft systems have repeatedly demonstrated their combat effectiveness. Experts note that firing Igla MANPADS and destroying enemy aircraft is not the main purpose of using this type of weapon. The main task of mobile systems is to disrupt the combat plans of enemy aircraft. A striking example is the situation in Libya in 2011, when the actions of NATO military aircraft were constrained by the presence of Russian Igla MANPADS in the troops subordinate to Muammar Gaddafi.

High mobility, ease of use, reliability, and an optimal combination of weight and size parameters have allowed our complexes to occupy an important niche in the defense strategies of many countries. MANPADS have become an effective anti-aircraft weapon against enemy air raids because they are almost impossible to detect by any reconnaissance devices, and their use is always sudden and fleeting. The massive use of mobile systems deprives aviation of dominance at altitudes convenient for attacks on ground targets.

The Syrian crisis and the rise of international terrorism have forced people to talk about the multifaceted problem of ensuring international control over the circulation of MANPADS. A series of documents adopted by the governments of many countries involves the introduction of strict accounting of the export of man-portable air defense systems, the exchange of information on production and the adoption of measures to ensure the reliable storage of weapons.

"Igloo" is replaced by "Verba"

The next development of the Kolomna Design Bureau - the new generation MANPADS 9K333 "Verba" - was adopted by the Russian Army in 2014. Western military magazines called the complex “the most terrible anti-aircraft system in history.” Unlike its predecessors, the Verba MANPADS is capable, with a high degree of probability, of destroying targets with low radiation: cruise missiles and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles).

The solid propellant engine provides a firing range of up to 6.4 km at altitudes of up to 4.5 km, with air target speeds of up to 500 m/s. The developers of the new complex note that the missile guidance mechanism, using a three-channel spectral sensor (two IR channels and one ultraviolet channel), has undergone significant modernization. As a result, target acquisition is carried out much more reliably and the seeker ignores signals from false targets and heat traps. An innovative design solution in the homing system - there is no need to cool the components with liquid nitrogen, which increases the reliability of the devices and simplifies the care and maintenance of components. Deployment and bringing into combat readiness is carried out in 8 seconds. The complex's automation detects and distributes targets between anti-aircraft gunners, while simultaneously transmitting information about the nature and parameters of objects. It is envisaged to use MANPADS not only in manual mode, but also as part of an automatic launcher, consisting of several missiles, both stationary (roof of a building) and on a mobile chassis (car, armored personnel carrier). In the near future - the creation of sea- and air-based systems.

According to the designers, this is a new generation complex, which inherited from Soviet and Russian developments only high continuity with previous MANPADS.

It is the needle installed in the sewing machine that determines the smooth operation and quality of the result. Modern needles are distinguished by the widest variety - they can have different sharpening options, eye shapes, groove sizes, etc. All these features, some of which are practically invisible to the human eye, significantly affect the formation of the stitch, its integrity and quality.

Typically, the correspondence between the types of needles and types of fabric is indicated in the instructions for sewing equipment. However, you should not rely entirely on this data - real professionals must have the knowledge and skills of interchangeability of needles, know their features and characteristics, since it is this knowledge that will help make the work easier in the future.

How to choose the right needles for your home sewing machine?

In order to choose and buy the right needles for a sewing machine, you need to decide for what purposes they will be used and what types of fabrics they will work with. The needles have special markings that allow you to accurately identify their identity and the ability to interact with materials of various thicknesses.

Numbers on the markings of sewing machine needles

All household lockstitch sewing machines have been equipped with standard 130/705H needles for many years. These numbers “130/705” mean to the common consumer that the needle is intended for a household sewing machine and has a flat bulb.

For those new to sewing: it would be nice to know that there are also needles with round bulbs, they are for industrial sewing machines.

Traditionally, needles from German companies are considered the best, in particular such as Schmetz, Organ Needles, Grotz-Beckert.

Table of sewing machine needle standards

The number indicated in the name of the needle indicates its thickness (diameter) in hundredths of a millimeter or fractions of an inch. The higher the number with which the needle is marked, the thicker it is. Some manufacturers may indicate two values ​​at once, for example 100/16 or 120/19. This means that the needle size is indicated in two units of measurement: millimeters and inches.

Approximate correspondence between needle diameters and fabric types:

  • highly elastic knitted fabric, fabric with lycra and other elastic materials - needles No. 65-90;
  • light fabrics for shirts, blouses - needles No. 60-70;
  • thin fabrics (cambric, chiffon, crepe de Chine, etc.) - needles No. 80-90;
  • linen, calico, chemical fiber and staple fabrics, materials for sewing suits - needles No. 80-90;
  • light woolen fabrics and heavy ones made of chemical fibers, denim - needle No. 100;
  • heavy woolen fabrics - needle No. 110;
  • coarse cloth, beaver, burlap - needle No. 120;
  • heavy and super-heavy materials (leather, tarpaulin, etc.) - for such materials, needles should be selected individually, since depending on the density, needle markings can vary from No. 100 to No. 200.

Application of needles:

In addition to the numbers in the marking of sewing needles, you can also find letter designations that determine the scope of application of each specific needle, i.e. what types of fabrics is it intended for?

The decoding of these values ​​is as follows:

H - Universal needles— The needle point is slightly rounded, these needles are suitable for “not capricious” fabrics, linen, calico, cotton and others.

H-J (jeans) - Needles for thick fabrics - have a sharper sharpening, as a result of which they are suitable for sewing thick materials - jeans, twill, tarpaulin, etc.

H-M (microtex) - Microtex needles are sharper and thinner. Such needles are used for precise piercing of microfiber, thin and densely woven materials, coated and uncoated raincoat fabrics, silk, taffeta, etc.

H-S (stretch) - Needles for elastic fabrics - these needles have a special edge that almost completely eliminates the possibility of skipping stitches when stretching the seam. The rounded tip pushes the fabric fibers apart without disturbing their structure. Used for sewing medium weight knitwear and synthetic elastic fabrics.

H-E (embroidery) - Embroidery needles - the eye hole in such needles is small, the point is slightly rounded. In addition, such needles have a special recess, which, in combination with other elements of the needle design, allows you to avoid damage to the material or threads. Designed for decorative embroidery with special embroidery threads.

H-EM - needles for embroidery or sewing with metallized threads. They have a large polished eye and groove to prevent delamination of metallized threads. Numbers 80 and 90. Number 80 needles for fine fabrics. No. 90 for thicker, heavier fabrics.

H-Q (quilting) - Quilting needles - these needles have a special bevel, a reduced eye and a rounded point to avoid skipped stitches and the appearance of puncture marks on the fabric. They are usually used in decorative stitches.

H-SUK (jersey) - Needles with a rounded point - easily moves apart the threads of fabric and loops and thereby passes between the threads, eliminating damage to the material. Ideal for thick knits, jersey and knitted materials.

H-LR, H-LL (leder leather) - Leather needles with a cutting edge - the cut is made at an angle of 45 degrees to the direction of the seam. The result is a decorative seam, the stitches of which have a slight slope.

H-O - Needle with blade— designed for decorative finishing of seams, making hems using decorative stitches. Needles of this type have different blade widths. The blades can be on one side of the tip or on both. The use of these needles on lines where the needle punctures several times in the same place will enhance the decorative effect.

H-ZWI - Double needle - combines two needles united by one holder. The purpose of such a needle is decorative finishing and making tucks. Hemming the bottom of knitwear items (a zig-zag will form on the wrong side). The needles have only three sizes (No. 70,80,90) and three types (H, J, E). The distance between the needles is marked on the packaging in millimeters (1.6, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 6.0). The higher the number, the wider the distance between the needles. Needles 4.0 and 6.0 can only be used on a straight stitch.

H-DRI - Triple needle - has only two sizes (2.5, 3.0). Working with this type of needle is similar to needles marked H-ZWI. When working with this type of needle, you should use stitches designed for use with a twin needle. If you select the wrong stitch, the needle may break and damage the machine or cause injury.

Topstitch - Special needles for decorative stitches - The needle has a large eye and a large groove so that the decorative thread (it is thicker than usual so that it is clearly visible on the fabric) easily passes through it. If you need to stitch with loose threads that fall apart, then this needle will be the best choice. Numbers from 80 to 100. For light, medium and heavy fabrics.

This is shown more clearly in the table:

Sewing machine needle parameters

Needle point

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There are two main groups of points:

  • needle point for textile group (has a round shape and sticks into the fabric);
  • the point of a leather needle (has the shape of a blade and cuts through the fabric).

If the needle is chosen correctly, the stitching will look beautiful and there will be no damage to the material.

eye of a needle

The smooth passage of thread through the eye at high sewing speeds is ensured by the streamlining of the needle eye and external shape. Due to the fact that the inner side of the ear is smooth, there is no weaving or breaking of the thread.

Groove (notch)

A good loop depends on the shape of the gutter. The previously used round groove is now mostly being replaced by a “Pontoon” groove, as this allows for better loop formation and prevents damage to the presser foot.

Needle shaft

Types of needle rods:

  • shortened needle rods.
  • doubly shortened needle rods.

The design of the needle rod determines the force with which the needle will pierce the fabric and its service life.

Needle flask

In a sewing machine, the needle holder has a certain size; if the size of the bulb does not match the size of the holder, then you will not be able to use the machine for its intended purpose.

There are round and flat flasks. Some systems have a round bulb with a recess to secure the needle.

Classification and applications of sewing needles

Needles with a cutting edge (for heavy materials, for leather products):

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Needles with a pressed groove point (for straight quilting and blind stitches, for knitwear and other woven materials):

Denim needles

This type of sewing needle is one of the successful examples of the manufacturer’s attentive and responsible approach to product development. For sewing denim, needles marked RG are used. Despite the fact that the sewing needle itself is a rather miniature object, specialists managed to work out in detail all the smallest details in its design.

The needles in this series are manufactured using titanium-nitride coating, which in its physical properties surpasses the hardest alloys of steel and metals. Thanks to this, jeans needles have increased wear resistance and a very long service life.

Particular attention is paid to the shape of the needle tip - it is thinner than conventional needles, its end is slightly rounded. This shape, in combination with the mentioned titanium-nitride coating technology, gives an excellent result - damage to the material is almost completely eliminated and the likelihood of missing stitches is minimized.

Skipped stitches and needle breakage most often occur due to significant deviation of the needle when sewing intersections of seams. The needle developers took this point into account and modified the shape of the rod. Its conical shape, complemented by the cross-section of the groove, gives the needle a higher resistance to bending - from 20 to 40% compared to a standard needle.

Needles for leather goods

The needles from this series are another source of pride for the manufacturer. Specialists have managed to develop several modifications of needles with a cutting tip that allow them to work more effectively with various types of skin. Among the main advantages of needles for sewing leather are the low probability of needle breakage, the minimum level of stitch skipping and thread breakage, and the highest quality of the slot. Thanks to these features, sewing professionals can significantly increase productivity and use these needles for a long time with high intensity.

Main types of needles for leather processing and areas of their use:

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Needles for fine knitwear

Thin knitted materials are extremely popular nowadays. However, for their high-quality processing, sometimes it is necessary to comply with more stringent requirements than when working with other fabrics. This is largely due to the fact that when sewing clothes from thin materials, it is necessary to pay special attention not only to the beauty of the product, but also to the maximum possible wearing comfort. To ensure high-quality tailoring of such products, it is necessary to carefully monitor which needles are used when working with thin fabrics. For delicate materials there is a whole list of different needles.

Needles for sewing and embroidery

The needle point type for knitwear and textiles is standard. There may be no tip marking or an “R” designation. Used for: light fabrics, thin materials with or without coating, mass production of ready-made dresses from fur, leather and textile materials.

Small spherical point “SES” - These needles easily move apart the threads of fabric, passing between them, eliminating damage to the material. Excellent for jersey and knit fabrics, but can also be used for: fine to medium knits, thin denim, multi-layer textile/textile fabrics.

Medium Ball Point “SUK” - Compared to “SES” the point is more rounded. Perhaps this is the best type of needle for working with denim fabrics such as “sand washed”, “stone washed” (especially when processing ready-made products and using large numbers of needles) and corsetry (optimally when using thin needles). Ideal for medium to chunky knits, corsetry and denim fabrics.

Large spherical point “SKF” - The more rounded shape of this type of needle allows the point to push apart the threads of coarse knitwear and elastic materials without causing damage to them. It is best used when working with delicate elastic materials or elastomer wrapping threads, coarse knitwear.

Special spherical tip “SKL” - Provides pinpoint piercing of the fabric, which ensures better expansion of individual threads. It is the most suitable type for working with Lycra-type materials, but is also suitable for other elastic materials (from medium to coarse), including knitwear.

Thin rounded point “SPI” - This type of needle provides precise piercing of densely woven and additionally coated materials. Used for microfacing, silk, coated materials, heavy woven fabrics such as canvas, smooth but heavy materials, as well as for processing shirt cuffs, collars and front panels. As a result of using such needles, a correct seam is obtained, without pulling or curls.