SCHMETZ household sewing machine needles
Which needle and thread suit my fabric?Our free needle & thread assistant shows you the right SCHMETZ needle, needle size, point style and coating for 14 fabric types – including suitable sewing threads.Open the assistant →
Genuine SCHMETZ needles for all household sewing machines – from the universal classic to special needles for jersey, denim, leather or embroidery. Three details lead you to the right needle:
1. Needle system
Your sewing machine determines the system. Almost all household machines use system 130/705 H (flat shank); some older or special models use system 287 WH / 1738 (round shank). If in doubt, check the manual or the old needle.
2. Needle size
Given in NM = 1/100 mm: NM 80 = 0.8 mm shaft diameter. The US designation (e.g. 80/12) refers to the same needle: NM on the left, Singer size on the right. Rule of thumb: the thicker the fabric and thread, the thicker the needle.
| Size NM/US | Suitable for |
|---|---|
| 60/8 – 65/9 | very fine fabrics, silk |
| 70/10 – 75/11 | fine fabrics, jersey |
| 80/12 | cotton, all-round |
| 90/14 | medium-weight fabrics |
| 100/16 – 110/18 | denim, canvas, leather |
3. Needle type (point)
The point style determines a clean seam:
- Universal – woven fabrics
- Jersey – knits
- Super Stretch – highly elastic fabrics
- Jeans – denim, dense fabrics
- Microtex – silk, microfibre, coated
- Leather – genuine leather
- Black Super Universal – adhesives, hook-and-loop
- Metallic – effect threads
Tips
- Change the needle after 6–8 hours of sewing or for every new project at the latest – blunt needles cause skipped stitches and snags.
- The needle eye is about 40% of the needle diameter wide – the thread must glide through easily.
- Packaging «SB» = self-service (blister pack for hanging display in retail).
Needle guide
Frequently asked questions about household needles
- What do the colour bands on SCHMETZ needles mean?
- Which needle size is the right one?
- Which needle do I need for stretch fabrics?
- Which needle should I use for jeans?
- Which needle is suitable for leather and faux leather?
- Which needle system fits my sewing machine?
Items 1 - 50 of 52
Items 1 - 50 of 52