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	Thread		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

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