Needle Size Conversion Chart

[lionscrest]

http://www.lismoresheepfarmwoolshop.com/needles/conversions.htm

[TinkerTailor]

Pretty sure that one is for knitting needles.

Machine needle conversions are a confusing proposition, as there are many many standards and systems.

First you need to know what thread size you are using. Then what size needle it takes. You may have to convert the manufacturers thread size system to the system used in your chart for thread to needle size recommendations. Thread sizing conversions can get ugly. Once you figure out a needle size, you have to convert that to the system used by your chosen needle manufacturer.

Some needles have equivalents in other systems and others do not. It is not just size, it is also point type as well as other variables. Both of these need to be combined to get the right combination for the machine, thread and material being sewn. Most people on this site stick to very similar thread types and are using machines that use the same needles, so they can share info. Most industrial machines in factories get run with only one size and brand of needle for their whole life and the size is on a sticker on the front, or sharpied right onto the machine.

Here is one for home and smaller industrial machine needles:

http://www.schmetzneedles.com/learning/pdf/needle-size-designations.pdf

Industrial needle point type conversion:

https://www.superiorthreads.com/industrial/industrial-needle-point-conversion-chart/

Needle size chart that includes needles from small to as big as your arm:

https://www.superiorthreads.com/industrial/needle-size-conversion-chart/

Needle to thread size chart:

http://www.tolindsewmach.com/thread-chart.html

This page is for smaller thread than is used in leather but gives some good info on sizing systems. I include it to show how complex this issue is:

http://www.coatsindustrial.com/en/information-hub/apparel-expertise/thread-numbering

Edited November 2, 2015 by TinkerTailor