Machine needle and thread sizes - UK to US

[UKRay]

You know how it is when you start out on a new course of action then reach the absolute end of your knowledge and there is a vast raft of stuff still to know... I have been struggling with this particular set of questions for about a week now and am no nearer a solution.

I have been trying to make sense of needle sizes for my Highlead GA2688-1. Do I just need one size of needle (which would be easier) or should I have different sizes of needle to match each thread size?

That was almost a rhetorical question, as, right now, all I really want to know is what durn size do I need to buy?

FYI: I am generally stitching straight lines along two or three thicknesses of 3.5mm thick leather strap with either a #20 or #13 thread however I can't make either of those sizes correspond with US thread sizes. Is there some kind of a chart that would help here?

My local machine dealer just told me I should use a #26 needle - I just checked and there are a range of #26 needle types - what type do I need? Does it matter? Why?

The ideal answer would probably include a Schmetz part number - or even two Schmetz part numbers if you like!

Help me guys - I'm losing the will to stitch...

Ray

[rdb]

barra posted this great pdf link awhile back. it'll explain the different needle types:

http://www.visla.net/upload/acsses//SMN15_English.pdf

[UKRay]

Thanks, Dave (and Barra) that makes a lot more sense now. All I need now is to understand how to choose the the right size needle and some idea how to understand the US threads / UK threads thing... I'm getting there slowly!

Ray

barra posted this great pdf link awhile back. it'll explain the different needle types:

http://www.visla.net/upload/acsses//SMN15_English.pdf

[torrbuidhe]

This is the basic thread size comparison -

US > UK

138 = 20

207 = 13/12

277 = 10

346 = 8

Thread size > needle size -

207 top 138 bottom > 160/23

207 top & bottom > 180/24

277 top 207 bottom > 200/25

346 top 277 bottom > 230/26

Neil

[SteveBrambley]

You know how it is when you start out on a new course of action then reach the absolute end of your knowledge and there is a vast raft of stuff still to know... I have been struggling with this particular set of questions for about a week now and am no nearer a solution.

I have been trying to make sense of needle sizes for my Highlead GA2688-1. Do I just need one size of needle (which would be easier) or should I have different sizes of needle to match each thread size?

That was almost a rhetorical question, as, right now, all I really want to know is what durn size do I need to buy?

FYI: I am generally stitching straight lines along two or three thicknesses of 3.5mm thick leather strap with either a #20 or #13 thread however I can't make either of those sizes correspond with US thread sizes. Is there some kind of a chart that would help here?

My local machine dealer just told me I should use a #26 needle - I just checked and there are a range of #26 needle types - what type do I need? Does it matter? Why?

The ideal answer would probably include a Schmetz part number - or even two Schmetz part numbers if you like!

Help me guys - I'm losing the will to stitch...

Ray

Hi Ray,

I always use a 200 (25) size needle, or even 180 (24) with Tkt 13 thread. I find using a needle much larger than that makes the thread look like spaghetti down a man hole! Also, I always use LR point needles, as I think these give the nicest looking stitch.

If you like, I can send you a couple of different size needles for you to try.

Steve

Edited May 18, 2009 by SteveBrambley

[UKRay]

Hi Ray,

I always use a 200 (25) size needle, or even 180 (24) with Tkt 13 thread. I find using a needle much larger than that makes the thread look like spaghetti down a man hole! Also, I always use LR point needles, as I think these give the nicest looking stitch.

If you like, I can send you a couple of different size needles for you to try.

Steve

That would be most kind, Steve. Can you also suggest a good UK supplier? Maybe Celtic Leather or Torrbuidhe have some ideas on this? (thanks for the help, Neil!)

[celticleather]

Ray

I read that pdf from Barra a while ago. Although I realised the obvious differences between 'round point' and 'leather point' needles, I never dreamt that there was so much technology wrapped up in sewing machine needles . . . fascinating!

I use http://www.college-sewing.co.uk/acatalog/index.html for needles and parts - their range is amazing, so long as you know what you're looking for!

Terry

[torrbuidhe]

I use College sewing as well, very good service.

I like the LL point myself, although I got some D points for utility work because it's a more durable style.

[SteveBrambley]

That would be most kind, Steve. Can you also suggest a good UK supplier? Maybe Celtic Leather or Torrbuidhe have some ideas on this? (thanks for the help, Neil!)

OK Ray, I'll get a few needles off to you tomorrow (Wednesday). I think all our needles come from Bogods, but I would guess College are as good as any.

Steve

[UKRay]

Okay - I have understood the 'thickness' measurement is either 23/24/25/26 or 160/180/200/230 depending on supplier

Now what about the length. I have just purchased three packets of number 26 needles and they are all too short - what happened there? Nobody mentioned length! These are exactly the same size as the needles that fit my Singer 45K but they are too short for the Highlead.

Could somebody please tell me what length should I be asking for (and how should I make sure I'm getting the right length as these needles came from a reputable supplier) and how does this measurement fit into the needle numbering/reference system?

Ray