Consew 226 Needles & Threads

[Mokosh]

I did some searching but didn't find much in the way to answer my questions. If this has been answered many times before, please feel free to point me to the relevant thread.

So, I pulled up the PDF manual on the Consew 226 machine I just bought and was reading over the needle and thread sizes that are recommended. All of my machines in the past worked fine with domestic all purpose thread, but I know that won't be true in this case. I can't find any websites that have pics of the needles and thread up close or to scale, so I am having a hard time selecting what will be appropriate for my work. Would you be kind enough to help me?

Here is what is recommended in the manual:

Needle Thread

16 40

19 30-20

21 10

22 8

23 5

My question is

1) I know to use 135x17 type needles but what size needles/thread would you use for thin/medium weight garment leather? Which would you use for thick stuff like veg-tan?

2) What are your favorite thread and needles sites?

Thanks for your help!

[Mokosh]

Sorry that probably looks a little confusing.

Needle.......Thread

16............. 40

19............. 30-20

21............. 10

22............. 8

23............. 5

[Wizcrafts]

Sorry that probably looks a little confusing.

Needle.......Thread

16............. 40

19............. 30-20

21............. 10

22............. 8

23............. 5

First of all, if you intend to use household polyester, polycore, or cotton thread, your chart looks accurate. Most people who sew leather professionally are using bonded nylon or bonded polyester thread, on 1/2 or 1 pound spools. The thinnest nylon thread we normally use is referred to as #69, or T70 thread, which is a Government standard. Size 69 bonded nylon thread has a breaking point of 11 pounds and is available in just about every color you could use, in spools from 4 ounces up to 1 pound. Shoe supply warehouses also stock #69 thread in 1 ounce "patcher" spools, for use on shoe patcher machines.

I would recommend that you get a few packs of #18 and #20 leather point needles, to sew leather garments (#18) or thin fashion belts (#20). If the machine takes series 135 needles, the leather point number is 135x16. "Sewmun" (Toledo Ind Sew Mach) stocks them as do most industrial sewing machine vendors.

Number 69 bonded nylon is perfect for leather garments. For belts you should move up to #92 (#20 needle) or #138 bonded nylon thread. You will need to use a #22 or #23 needle with #138 thread.

There is a sticky post at the top of this forum describing how one finds the correct needle size for any size of thread. It makes a good read.

[Mokosh]

Thanks so much, Wizcrafts, for taking the time to write such a thorough response! I really appreciate it!

[Wizcrafts]

Thanks so much, Wizcrafts, for taking the time to write such a thorough response! I really appreciate it!

You are most welcome! Anytime!