Brother XL-3027 Owner's Manual
ABOUT THE NEEDLE AND FABRIC
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About the Needle
The sewing machine needle is probably the most important part of the sewing machine. Choosing the
proper needle for your sewing project will result in a beautiful finish and fewer problems. Below are some
things to keep in mind about needles.
proper needle for your sewing project will result in a beautiful finish and fewer problems. Below are some
things to keep in mind about needles.
• The smaller the needle number, the finer the needle. As the numbers increase, the needles get thicker.
• Use fine needles with lightweight fabrics, and thicker needles with heavyweight fabrics.
• To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 with stretch fabrics.
• To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 when sewing character or decorative
• Use fine needles with lightweight fabrics, and thicker needles with heavyweight fabrics.
• To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 with stretch fabrics.
• To avoid skipped stitches, use ball point needle (golden colored) 90/14 when sewing character or decorative
stitches.
Fabric/Thread/Needle Combinations
The following table provides information concerning the appropriate thread and needle for various
fabrics. Please refer to this table when selecting a thread and needle for the fabric you wish to use.
fabrics. Please refer to this table when selecting a thread and needle for the fabric you wish to use.
ABOUT THE NEEDLE AND FABRIC
Note
• Never use a thread of weight 20 or lower. It may cause malfunctions.
Fabric type/Application
Thread
Size of needle
Type
Size
Medium weight fabrics
Broadcloth
Cotton thread
60 - 90
75/11 - 90/14
Taffeta
Synthetic thread
Flannel, Gabardine Silk thread
50
Thin fabrics
Lawn
Cotton thread
60 - 90
65/9 - 75/11
Georgette
Synthetic thread
Challis, Satin
Silk thread
50
Thick fabrics
Denim
Cotton thread
30
90/14 - 100/16
50
Corduroy
Synthetic thread
50 - 60
Tweed
Silk thread
Stretch fabrics
Jersey
Thread for knits
50 - 60
Ball point needle
(gold colored)
75/11 - 90/14
75/11 - 90/14
Tricot
Easily frayed fabrics
Cotton thread
50 - 90
65/9 - 90/14
Synthetic thread
Silk thread
50
For top-stitching
Synthetic thread
Silk thread
Silk thread
30
100/16
50 - 60
90/14 - 100/16
Memo
• For transparent monofilament nylon thread, always use needle sizes 90/14 or 100/16.
The same thread is usually used for the bobbin thread and upper thread.
CAUTION
• Be sure to follow the needle, thread, and fabric combinations listed in the table. Using an improper
combination, especially a heavyweight fabric (i.e., denim) with a small needle (i.e., 65/9 - 75/11), may
cause the needle to bend or break, and lead to injury. Also, the seam may be uneven, the fabric may
pucker, or the machine may skip stitches.
cause the needle to bend or break, and lead to injury. Also, the seam may be uneven, the fabric may
pucker, or the machine may skip stitches.