The UY 118 GBS KN needle (needle system UY 118 GBS) has a medium ball point for working knit fabrics, without damaging the loops. The KN version is a slim needle designed to protect fine knit loops from splitting, but without blade reinforcement and therefore more sensitive to deflection. It is used in industrial lockstitch and general-purpose sewing machines. Suitable machine classes are found, among others, at Union Special (classes 36200 AAZ 3201, 36200 AJZ 3277 S, 36200 AZ 3201 N, 36200 BAZ 3201), Kansai (classes S - 6604-D) and Yamato (classes FD - 62 -05MR-RF-AC15).
The available needle sizes are used, among others, for fine, light jersey and tricot fabrics. 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.