The Organ Needle Company works closely with some of the leading machine makers such as Tajima and Barudan. In this way, they have matched their expertise as the world’s largest needle maker, and the particular needs of each machine builder. Realizing a machine is only as good as the needle in it, each machine maker wants to be sure to have the right needle design to enhance the performance of their machine.

Organ carries the largest variety of needles for embroidery machines. While no one can prescribe a specific needle for any situation, we hope to explain the features of those we carry. With reasonable knowledge of the available needles, any operator can make educated decisions to deal with any embroidery task.

Embroidery machines require a specific needle for two specific reasons. One, the eyes of embroidery needles are larger than the eye of a standard sewing needle because embroidery threads tend to have a larger girth and have less tensile strength than standard sewing threads. The larger eye of an embroidery needle accommodates the thickness of embroidery threads. Two, the distance between the eye and point of a standard sewing needle is longer than that of an embroidery needle. Why? Because a shorter distance between the eye and point of the needle decreases the chances of the point of the needle dragging on the fabric it is sewing. This shorter distance also reduces needle deflection thus reducing needle breaks.

Sharp points are also called "Regular Points". A sharp point is just as it sounds. The point of the needle is sharp and offers more of a cutting action than a ball point needle. Sharps are more commonly used for woven fabrics. The point of a sharp needle makes it easier for the needle to penetrate the tighter construction of a woven fabric. This places less stress on the needle, thus reducing needle deflection, therefore reducing broken needles.

Ball point needles have a rounded tip as opposed to a sharp tip, therefore they have less cutting action, which reduces the cutting of fabric fibers. These needles are very good for knits or loosely woven fabrics. The cross fibers which constitute the knit or loosely woven fabric are relatively far apart when compared to a tightly woven material. The rounded tip of a ball point separates fibers as opposed to cutting them thus practically eliminating the potential of damaging the garment being sewn. A rounded "ball" point needle is recommended for use with tricots, jerseys, lingerie and power net. Unlike sharp, pointed needles which pierce fibers of knit / fabrics, destroying elasticity, ball points slip between fibers, preventing damage to fabric, and annoying skipped stitches. Select light or medium ball in the correct size to suit fabric.

A wedge cutting point needle is recommended for use with leather and leather look vinyl. Wedge cutting points pierce leather more easily than ordinary sewing machine needles, resulting in more satisfactory stitching. It cuts as it penetrates and reduces friction while piercing the fabric.

The benefit of a titanium needle is that they have a ceramic coating with layers of titanium nitride on their surface to improve their productivity life by five times than that of conventional needles. Also titanium needles do cost more therefore they are more expensive initially, but due to their extended durability, they may cost an embroiderer less in the long run.

These are standard needles with a Teflon coating to help the needle slide through the fabric easier than chrome plated needle or titanium. These needles are especially useful for waterproof goods that have specialized coating that may stick to the needle.

Needle Recommendation Chart

FABRIC/GARMENT	NEEDLE SIZE	NEEDLE POINT
Canvas	80/12	Sharp point
Coated or Waterproof Fabrics	80/12	Sharp or light ball point
Corduroy	75/11	Sharp or ball point
Cotton Sheeting	70/10to 80/12	Sharp point
Denim	75/11	Sharp point
Dress Shirt (woven)	70/10 to 80/12	Ball point
Golf Shirt (Knit)	70/10 to 80/12	Ball point
Lace	75/11	Sharp point
Leather	80/12	Sharp or wedge point
Lingerie and Silk	60/8 to 75/11	Sharp or light ball point
Lycra or Spandex	70/10 to 80/12	Medium ball point
Nylon Windbreaker	70/10 to 80/12	Light ball point
Organza	65/9	Ball point
Rayon	75/11	Ball point
Satin Jacket	75/11	Sharp point
Sweater	75/11	Sharp point
Sweatshirt	70/10 to 80/12	Light ball point
Taffeta	65/9	Ball point
Terry Cloth Towels	75/11	Sharp or ball point
Velvet	65/9	Ball point
Vinyl	75/11	Sharp point

There are systems used for indicating the needle size: the metric (European) system and the Singer (United States) system. The metric system size is determined by multiplying the diameter of the blade by 100. For example, a needle with a metric system size of 80 has a blade diameter of 0.8mm (0.8 X 100). The United States system arbitrarily applies a number to these measurements. The Metric Size System increases in increments of five, while the other system increases in increments of one. Usually both systems are reflected on the needle package. (70/10, 75/11, 80/12, etc.)

65/9:This needle is mainly used for small detail work when curves are sharp and density is an issue.
75/11: This needle is used in embroidery machines 75-80% of the time. It is the most universal needle because the diameter is not too big for embroidery and it offers sufficient needle strength.
80/12: This needle is used for heavier fabrics, such as denim, because it makes a bigger hole in the fabric while it sews. Another example of when to use an 80/12 needle is when operators are sewing on caps and are experiencing many needle breaks. Because of the larger diameter, this needle is often stronger with these situations.