About SCHMETZ Needles

Question: What do the colors mean on the needle?

Answer: SCHMETZ needles have either one or two bands of color to identify needle type & size. Link Color Chart The top band identifies needle type. The lower band identifies needle size. A SCHMETZ Microtex 80/12 will have an upper color band of purple & a lower color band of orange. Universal needles have only one band of color to identify needle size. A Universal size 80/12 will have a single band of orange.

Question: How is needle size determined?

Answer: SCHMETZ is a German company. They use the metric system. To determine needle size, SCHMETZ measures the diameter of the blade resulting in numbers like .80, .90 etc. This measurement is multiplied by 100 resulting in the sizes we are familiar, for instance sizes 80, 90, etc. But SCHMETZ is not the only needle manufacturer. Other companies use sizing systems often referred to as Asian, International or Singer sizing. Years ago the needle manufacturers standardized the sizing so a metric size 80 always equals a size 12, 90 = 14 etc.

Question: On the needle pack, what is 130/705H?

Answer: This is the needle system. 130/705 means the needle has a flat shank. H translates from a German word that means scarf, that little indentation on the back of the needle above the eye. Needle system 130/705 H is used by 99% of all home sewing machines. Often times, there is an additional letter: -J for jeans; Q for Quilting; M for Microtex etc.

Question: What is ELX705 CF 90/14?

Answer: ELX705 is the needle system frequently used by sergers/overlocks. ELX705 has two grooves, one of the needle front & another on the back. CF states the needle has a chrome finish. Use only as recommended by the machine manufacturer.

Question: I need to alter regular knit tee shirts - hems and sleeves and prefer the twin needle appearance. However, the fabric looks like it has been stretched or ruffled after having been stitched. Have tried everything, but twin needles with ball points might do the job properly. No idea if stretch or jersey type needles best. Question: are twin needle made with ball points? Have you any other suggestions to help me accomplish my sewing/altering needs?

Answer: To avoid the puckering & ruffling, your stitches need stabilization. Try using a fusible bias tape. Here’s a helpful source: Tapes - SewKeysE by Emma Seabrooke SCHMETZ Stretch Twin needles are available in two widths: 2.5/75 & 4.0/75. For your tee shirt project either the Stretch (medium ballpoint) or Universal (slightly rounded point) should work well. Here’s a link from our website to assorted Twin needles:

Question: I'm a quiltmaker and confuse Universal vs Microtex needles. When machine quilting, I tend to use a 90/14 quilt needle in my Janome Horizon and it works well with poly, poly/cotton or pure cotton threads. Any type of batting works well, too. How do Quilt needles compare to Universal needles? What's the difference? Can the Universal be used to piece quilt tops. Does the fact they are called Universal mean they replace other needles such as the Microtex for piecing and Quilt needles for quilting? I only trust SCHMETZ needles in my machine but sometimes it's hard to know the right type to keep on hand. Thank you.

Answer: SCHMETZ Universal needles are the workhorse of all needle types. They work with woven and knit fabrics. Universal needles make a very good stitch, but sometimes another needle type will produce an even better stitch. There is one difference between Universal & Quilting needles. Both needles have a slightly rounded point, but the quilting needle has special taper that allows easier fabric penetration and reduce skipped stitches. The Microtex has a very slim acute point for precision stitches. With SCHMETZ you have options. For piecing and quilting there are five popular frequently used needle types: Universal, Jeans, Topstitch, Quilting, and Microtex. Experiment and select the best needle type for your specific fabric, machine & technique. Sometimes the differences between needle types are subtle, and other times, not so much. Be prepared and have a variety of needle types and sizes handy.

Question: What needle do I use on small sequin fabric?

Answer: With SCHMETZ you have options. Is the fabric a knit? Use a Stretch 75/11 or 90/14? Is the fabric a woven? Use a Microtex 70/10-90/14. Another option is a Jeans needle.

Question: Hello! I need your expertise! I am sewing through heavy, thick denim seams, like the seams on the crotch area of jeans. I am using Denim needles, 130-705 H-J. What would be the best size? Do Jeans needles come in bulk?

Answer: The SCHMETZ Jeans/Denim needle is a great choice for your thick denim seams. The SCHMETZ Jeans needle has a reinforced blade to handle heavy sewing. It's hard to know what size, depending on your fabric weight, but use at least size 90/14, although you may need to move up a needle size to 100/16. You will need to experiment with your thread, fabric and machine. SCHMETZ Denim are available on the card and also in bulk (100 needles/box). BTW, you might consider using a Jean-a-ma-Jig to help sew over thick intersecting denim seams.

Question: I want to modify blackout drapes and am wondering what teflon needle size would be best; also stitch length which I’m presuming would be the longest on my machine.

Answer: Needle size is determined by the fabric weight and the thread. If using a 40 wt thread, use a size 80/12. If the thread is heavier, use a 90/14 or 100/16. You may need to experiment to find the right size. The SCHMETZ Super NonStick is a terrific needle choice for your project. There is an assorted size pack of the Super NonStick needles available under the needle card name Vinyl Needles.

Question: I have a pack of Microtex 70/10 130/705 H-M CF. They are all silver with no color markings on them. When will I use them?

Answer: Two bands of color coding on SCHMETZ needles started early 2014, so your needles must be older. The great thing is that steel does not deteriorate, so your needles are still sewing worthy. Use them. 130/705 H is the needle system used by home sewing machines. The needle has a flat shank & a scarf. M – Microtex. CF – Chrome Finish The SCHMETZ Microtex needle has a very slim acute point (sharp) that is great for piecing, quilting, sewing on batiks and fashion sewing.

Question: What is the best needle to use for my hand woven fabric? The yarn I use is a rayon/cotton seed and I am not sure which needle is the best.

Answer: Hand woven fabric… wonderful! A SCHMETZ Universal needle is the needle of choice when working with cotton and rayon. Another needle type to use is the SCHMETZ Microtex which has a sharp point. Whether you use a Universal or a Microtex, if the fabric is average weight, use size 80/12.

Question: Which single machine needle is best for sewing very thin, very lightweight, stretch material that won’t skip stitches?

Answer: If the fabric has Lycra or Spandex, use a Stretch 75/11. Other options are Jersey or Universal.