Fabric, Thread,
and Needle Combinations
Confused about which thread goes
with which fabric - and how about
that needle? Relax! Here's
a simple chart that should help sort
it out for you.
| Fabric
Type |
Thread
Type |
Needle |
| |
General
Purpose |
Top
Stitching |
Machine |
Handwork |
| Very lightweight:
Batiste, Chiffon, Organza,
Voile and similar fabrics |
Very fine
or embroidery |
Very fine or
embroidery |
9/65 |
9 or 10 |
| Lightweight:
Challis, Chambray, Crepe/Crepe
de Chine, Eyelet, Gauze, Georgette,
Interlock, Jersey, Seersucker,
Silk, Taffeta and similar fabrics |
All purpose
blends and 100% natural threads
including silk |
All purpose
blends and 100% natural threads
including silk |
11/75 |
8 or 9 |
| Medium-weight: Broadcloth,
brocade, chino, chintz, corduroy,
flannel, linen, pique, satin,
shantung, suiting, sweatshirt,
swimsuit, terry, velour, velvet
and similar fabrics |
All purpose
blends and 100% natural threads
including silk |
Topstitching,
buttonhole and twists |
11/75 or 14/90 |
7 or 8 |
| Medium-to-Heavyweight: denim,
double knit, drapery, fake-fur,
fleece, gabardine, leather, quilted,
ticking, twill, upholstery and
similar fabrics |
Topstitching,
buttonhole, twists, and upholstery |
Topstitching,
buttonhole, twists, and upholstery |
14/90 or 16/100 |
6 |
| Heavyweight: canvas, ducking,
sailcloth, upholstery and similar
fabrics |
Topstitching,
buttonhole, twists, and upholstery |
Topstitching,
buttonhole, twists, and upholstery |
18/110 |
1 - 5 |
| |
|
|
| Specific
Sewing |
Thread |
Needle |
| Quilting by
Hand |
Cotton or blend
hand quilting |
Hand Quilting
Betweens
7 - 12 |
| Quilting by
Machine |
Cotton, poly-blend,
fine embroidery, and monofilament |
Machine 14/90 |
| Applique by
Hand |
Cotton, poly-blend |
Hand Quilting
Between
8 or 9 |
| Applique by
Machine |
Rayon, silk,
embroidery, cotton, poly-blend |
Machine 11/75 |
| Machine Embroidery |
Rayon, silk,
embroidery, cotton, poly-blend |
Machine 11/75 |
|
