Machine needle and thread sizes - UK to US

[tonyc1]

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

Hi Ray. I think you need 794 needles. I got some last month and I think I may have got ripped off as they charged me $50.50 a packet!

Tony.

[Luke Hatley]

Tony if you received 100 needles that is Right.

i did send Ray a P M about the needle system.

[esantoro]

$50, Australian or U.S., does seem very high. I believe campbell bosworth has the 794 needles for just about $10 for a ten-pack.

I always try to use 346 thread on a project, as I think the 26 needle performs better overall due to its larger girth, which is sturdier with thicker leather. If I move down to 277, I'll try it with a 26 needle on some scrap. If it's spaghetti down a manhole, as Steve says, then I will go down to a 25 needle. Also , some leathers take the puncture of the needle differently and you can get away with needle/thread combinations that won't work on other leathers.

I like the LR and Serv1 needles, as I think they put down the nicest stitches. I've never tried LL, which I imagine puts down a twist opposite to that of the LR needles.

ed

[UKRay]

Ed, I make that about $5 for a ten pack - not too high at all. Mind you, maths was never my strong point!

Ray

[esantoro]

It should be something like 5 or 6 pounds for you, yes. Get a good idea of what kind of needles you need, then invest in a bulk order with Campbell Bosworth. See what they can do on shipping. Perhaps a few of you guys over there can go in on a bulk order.

I'd just stick with schmetz. I like having Serv1 , diamond points, and LR on hand.. The Serv1 and LR points when you want to get the closest to needle and awl quality.

I'm willing to bet Campbell Bosworth will be good to you guys on the shipping. I've got an order to put through with them for some thread and a few packs of needles. For probably no additional shipping charges to me, I can order the needles you need and forward them on to you.

I realized only about a month ago that CB seems to have the best prices on these 794 needles over here by about $1.50 for a ten pack.

I've been meaning to ask what you guys pay for thread over there. Perhaps we can open up a trans-Atlantic needle and thread run. Make that trans-Atlantic needle-thread-brass lock run.

Ed

Ed, I make that about $5 for a ten pack - not too high at all. Mind you, maths was never my strong point!

Ray

[esantoro]

Diamond Needle used to be in Manhattan but moved to New JErsey about a year ago. I have an account with them but am not a bulk purchaser. I think my price was something like 90 cents a needle. I almost got a deal of something like $5.50 for a ten-pack. I had received that quote and then got a call back two minutes later telling me the quote was mistaken.

We might be able to go in on a bulk deal if we're willing to buy 1000 of each needle type. MIGHT is the operative word. I'd suggest Serv1 and LR. That total order would be about $1100 plus shipping. Maybe in these economic times Diamond Needle will be be willing to deal. I'm in for 200 of each needle type for myself.

Ed

Edited June 7, 2009 by esantoro

[neelsaddlery]

Hello All:

I believe the Singer 45K used the 214X2 needle system for leather. (also called 328 needle system). It uses a 214X1 for fabric. The Highlead mentioned earlier in this thread uses a 7X4 needle system for leather (also called a 794 needle system), or a 7X3 for farbric.

There is no difference in the length of the needle between 214X2 and 214X1, or 7X3 or 7X4. It is just a way of designating whether the point is leather or fabric point.

Hope this is of some help to you.

Kindest Regards,

Ryan O. Neel

Neel's Saddlery and Harness

Cowboy Sewing Machines

(330) 692-1418

[DJ1935]

Hi Ray

I thought you might like to see how your machine needles are made. I had no idea how much work went into it until I found this framed picture in our Museum.

Cheers

DJ

[UKRay]

Thanks for showing the needle board, DJ. When you see the number of processes involved in making a needle you suddenly appreciate why they cost so much.

I have broken a few during the past month or so as I learned how the machine works. Each time I winced and thought about the replacement cost. It has been ten days of hard sewing since the last mishap and, with a few big jobs under my belt, I'm feeling a lot more confident but I still don't relish spending hard-earned money on new needles!

Ray

Hello All:

I believe the Singer 45K used the 214X2 needle system for leather. (also called 328 needle system). It uses a 214X1 for fabric. The Highlead mentioned earlier in this thread uses a 7X4 needle system for leather (also called a 794 needle system), or a 7X3 for farbric.

There is no difference in the length of the needle between 214X2 and 214X1, or 7X3 or 7X4. It is just a way of designating whether the point is leather or fabric point.

Hope this is of some help to you.

Kindest Regards,

Ryan O. Neel

Neel's Saddlery and Harness

Cowboy Sewing Machines

(330) 692-1418

Thanks, Ryan. Most helpful.

Ray

[SteveBrambley]

Hi Ray,

I think that the packet I sent to you, with the needles in, had the correct system details printed on the front.

Steve