What Needle Size for Upholstery on a Chair?

Needle

• Sewing machine needles have four basic parts: the shank, shaft, point and eye. The shank is the upper portion, typically flattened on one side, that is secured to the sewing machine by the needle clamp. The shaft of the needle is its longest part, between the shank and the eye. The shank is longitudinally grooved on one side to hold the sewing thread next to the needle. Shanks on some needles are grooved on the opposite side to guide the lower bobbin thread. Needle points may be rounded or sharpened. The eye is found near the point and receives the sewing thread from the spool.

Sewing Machine

• When you choose the needle for an upholstery project, it is important to match the needle to the sewing machine. Sewing shaft and needle clamp configurations vary widely by sewing machine manufacturers. Refer to your owner's manual to determine the appropriate needle style for your machine. If you do not have a user's manual, select needles from those recommended for your machine by the needle manufacturer. You will find his information on the needle package.

Fabric

• The type of fabric used is the primary determining factor when choosing a machine needle size. Size 60/8 is suited for lightweight fabrics such as georgette, light muslin and organza. Midweight broadcloth, linen or calf leather may be sewn with a 70/10 or 80/12 needle. Heavier fabrics such as densely woven canvas, heavy denim and vinyl-treated fabric require larger, size 90/14 or 100/16 needles. Needles too large for the fabric result in visible holes and loose seams. Needles that are too small may not readily penetrate the fabric, bend or even break.

Thread

• The sewing needle size must be matched to the thread selected for the project. The thread should fit easily into the groove in the shaft of the needle and pass readily through the needle's eye. A needle that is either too large or too small will affect the thread tension, forming ineffective stitches and cause the thread to break.