The 2331 SES needle (needle system 2331) has a small ball point for working knit fabrics, without damaging the loops. It is used in industrial lockstitch and general-purpose sewing machines, here mainly for technical applications such as quilting rather than classic garment production. Suitable machine classes are found, among others, at HASHIMA (classes HSQ, HSQ - 50, HSQ - 57), Sotexi Pik-Pik (classes R 64, R 67) and Steppex (classes HIGH SPEED HUB 35MM).
Thinner needle sizes are used, among others, for medium-weight knit fabrics for everyday garment production, and the thicker versions for heavy, dense knit fabrics and technical knits. As sewing thread, a matching thickness is usually recommended depending on the needle size chosen, e.g. from Amann Serafil or Rasant; for very stretchy seams, a texturised thread also works well. The ball point glides between the loops instead of piercing them, keeping the seam clean and undamaged.
