Sewing Machine Needle Sizes Explained

Most sewing machine needles tend to all be about the same length (about 1.5” (inches) long), but will vary in thickness and the shape of the shaft.  While hand sewing needles tend to be larger and thicker the lower the size number, regular “universal” sewing machine needles are the opposite.

Generally, a high size number indicates a weightier and thicker needle. Machine needles are labeled with both a European and an American size number, usually separated by a slash mark. The European (first) number is higher and reflects the shaft’s diameter in the metric system.

They typically range in size from 60/8 (the smallest in thickness and weight) to 110/18 (the largest). The most commonly used for regular sewing is size 90/14. As a rule of thumb, for thinner fabrics use a needle with a smaller size number, and for thicker, heavier weight fabrics use a higher size number.

Standard machine needles are typically either very straight “sharps,” or the gently curved “universal point” shape. Occasionally you might need to use a rounded-tip “ballpoint” machine needle to sew knits. Keep in mind that various sewing machines may recommend different needle sizes.

All sewing machines will come with a basic set of needles for the most common functions. Always consult your machine’s manual for detailed information. Industrial sewing machines will also use slightly different needles than regular commercial (or “home”) sewing machines, so it’s best to check with your machine’s guide.

In comparison to regular machine needles, those used for machine embroidery tend to be very streamlined with a longer eye opening. This allows the needle to accommodate delicate embroidery threads without them breaking.

The “scarf” (the area just above the eye opening) is also specially shaped to maximize success when embroidering on a sewing machine. There is a range of sizes available, but the most common for this kind of embroidery is 90/14 and 75/11.

Decorative stitches are also easy to create on a sewing machine! Known as “topstitching,” there are specialty needles available for this kind of design. They have a quite large eye opening and a grooved shaft to allow the topstitching thread to pass through easily.

As the stitches are visible from the front side of the garment, it is very important to use a quality needle so that the lines are even and not broken. The 90/14 size is most often used for topstitching on a sewing machine.

Another kind of machine sewing needle is used for denim fabrics. Denim needles tend to be very strong and thick with a very sharp point to go through the tough layers of denim (or even materials like cotton canvas).

They are usually slightly thicker in diameter than standard sewing machine needles. For thinner denim fabrics use a needle size 90/14, and for thicker denim use size number 100/16.

Some specialty needles are made with double or even triple rows of sharps. They are occasionally used for sewing very thick denim, hemming, and unique finishing topstitches. On these needles, two or three shafts with eye holes descend from a small crossbar and attached top piece.

Twin and triple needles aren’t used very often, but you might encounter them in your sewing journey. The sizing labeling system for double and triple needles is slightly different than single machine needles, and the American number isn’t typically included.

Instead, the European size is the second number, following the first digit which reflects the distance between the needles (measured in millimeters).

Looking for a simple visual of sizes to choose machine sewing needles? We've got you covered with this chart right below. Keep in mind that this is not a definitive list. There can be sizes that aren't listed but these are the basics you'll find when searching.

In the left column is the type of needle, the middle column has the size(s), and the third column explains some of the common uses or types of fabric you would use the needle for sewing.