The DBX1 LL needle (needle system 287 WH) has a left cutting point (135°) for working leather, synthetic leather and other coated materials – never for woven fabric, since the cutting action would sever the weave threads. It is used in industrial sewing machines for leather and synthetic-leather work, where the cutting point produces a clean puncture. Suitable machine classes are found, among others, at Singer (classes 14, 16, 17, 31), Juki (classes ACF, ADU, AEC, AFU) and Brother (classes B 746 -5A, B 746 -7A, B 746 -8A, BAS).
Thinner needle sizes are used, among others, for thinner to medium-weight leather, and the thicker versions for medium-weight leather for everyday leather goods and saddlery work. As sewing thread, a bonded polyester or nylon thread such as Amann Serabond, Amann Strongbond or Coats Dabond is usually recommended, in a thickness matching the needle size chosen. A cutting point is required here to create clean puncture channels in firm materials.
