Very useful video! Could you please make a video about working with modern and vintage patterns? The differences, what to keep in mind etc? Also, it would be great if you could talk a bit about unprinted patterns and how to work with them. Thanks so much!!
I commonly use a 70 universal needle. Which I now realize is not the best for everything. They never bothered to teach us about needles in fashion school, they probably decided they just didn't have the time and all of the machines were equipped with needles so we rarely had to talk about them. I became a bit embarrassed to ask my mother or the local sewing supplies shop owner about this stuff because they tend to assume I should already know about these things. So I adopted my mother's method of using a 70 universal for nearly everything. Seeing this I realize that I should be using a size 80 for my poplin and probably a size 90 for my mock up material (cotton sheets, dense).
Hii Evelyn, Good video and good info. thank you. can you pls tell me for sewing webbing for safety harness, normally what size and type of needle used ? and what size of thread range ? thank you. btw, don't worry when i said it is for safety harness.. i got it covered. i just want to know that's all. thx. andrew
Some people have time for classes but most don’t…I wish I could even sit through one of those classes (ADHD - is murder for following through with anything).
After years and years of not sewing, I have bought a fairly simple sewing machine to make a few fun projects for my grandchildren. I have watched a series of your videos and they are so helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! I wish I would have had this information 20-30 years ago. My husband used to say I turned into a completely different person while sewing. All this time I thought it was me being incapable. I had no idea everyone had these issues and there are pathways to resolve each one. I am so excited to look at each "issue" as an opportunity to learn now.
You too, thought you were incapable…I have a sister who I love very much, who is good/excellent at everything she takes on while I always felt incapable. She told me once (another topic) I shouldn’t try knitting socks because they are extremely difficult but it felt like a challenge so I had to prove her wrong.
I'm so glad I found you. I don't know how to sew and you've really cleared up a lot of things for me. My mending project (which is why I bought a machine in the first place) turned around from a 4 day ongoing failure to a 10 minute success from a previous video I watched. Since watching some of your older videos, I have gained so much knowledge. I think I may even take this up as a hobby.
Awwww 😆😆😆😆 Yay!!! That had just made my day!! I'm so glad that you were able to solve that ongoing failure!! And sewing is a fantadtic hobby! I hope you do continue! All you need it sone instruction!!
I'm hoping it works for me, too. I haven't used a sewing machine since Home Economics in 7th grade (I'm 56) and I've decided to manufacture masks at home while social distancing. I've been practicing on old pillowcases without much luck, so I'm going to try Evelyn's tricks.
Thanks to this amazing lady I am on my journey to becoming a seamstress. If it weren’t for her, I would have never been able to use a machine! I’m learning everything from this channel. I can’t wait to sign up for the sewing school!
Thank you so much for letting me know that 1 needle doesn't sew everything! I never knew that and quit sewing years ago. I'm going to start again, thanks to you.
I completely trashed all of my 1st silk purchase when I was a kid, by using the wrong needles. I just assumed it was me who was the problem, or I was getting a message from the universe about killing silkworms, as I had no-one else to ask.
A friend recommend your videos. She couldn't remember your name but she said you looked like Snow White (Raven hair, ruby lips, porcelain hair). I found you right away. I think your videos are great! I've been sewing since I was 12 but you've taught me a lot.
I always test the current needle in my machine, on a scrap of fabric from the project. If it sews as good as it usually does - my laziness says, just use that one. But if the fabric snags I might use a smaller needle unless it’s a knit and I would use a ballpoint. A smaller (thin) needle breaks more easily and a larger needle can leave holes or struggle to sew with that awful knock/bang sound as it pierces the fabric. Love all your videos.
This is a good comment and describes just what I have recently encountered with my machine, I have now ordered some new needles and hoping for better results. tks
Thank you, finally someone that actually answered my question! This is the sixth video I looked at, and the only one that I listened to till the end. I’ve been sewing for over 30 years, but I’m just trying my hand at quilting and just needed to know when to use which needle as I’ve never worked with wadding before; it’s funny how none of the quilting videos discussed the needles. You didn’t focus on quilting, but you mentioned the type and size of needle I need to buy and that is all I wanted. You were very helpful, thank you very much.
Thank you, Evelyn! Each tutorial makes my machine more an approachable tool and less a little monster waiting to chew up my project! What a great tutorial.
I have started sewing again after a 20 year hiatus. You lose what you don't use. I am so happy I have found you. I am a new subscriber and am ging through all of your videos. I like your teaching style. It is amazing what I have forgotten. You are so helpful.
Wow! I was today years old when I found you and I’ve been binging your videos all afternoon, and your explanation of needles was fantastic. I’m reacquainting myself with my sewing machine and serger after many years of not sewing and realize how much I’ve missed them. Thank you for your clear explanations and the wide range of topics you address!
I been sewing since I been 3 years old , I am now 61 years old , I took a break due to a fall , I broke my collar bone in 2 different places & leg , my tibia & just started back , it's kind of hard , due to arthritis in my hands , they folded up like crab legs & some times painful , but I refuse to give up on my sewing , I don't let it stop me from sewing , I am starting to get back into it , it's a blessing from God & I am sew thankful 🙏❤️😊
All I have in my arsenal of sewing needles are universal. I wasn't sure which size needle to use for mending my husband's blue jeans. Evelyn, you're a lifesaver! Thank you for posting your thorough explanation of sewing needles and types. Now I can go confidently to the store and not stand there looking dazed and confused anymore!
For me to sew, I felt like it was my fault that my machine was knotting the thread, or tension wasn’t right. Forgetting totally about the needle. Anything I tried to sew was such a hassle. You told me I need to clean it , it’s time for oil, a time to adjust the tension. Did I listen??? NO! I had to go through all those things repeatedly because I’m such a hard headed person. So, now upon watching your videos, I’m taking notes so I can see what you told me to do for what. You are a splendid teacher, thank you. I’m about too old to cut the mustard, so I found the catsup and still ticking away. Not only am I trying to figure the sewing machine out, I’m learning to play piano as well. Maybe one of the two will work. I’m aiming for both though. Have a blessed day everyone!
I have a confession to make. ☹ i had always used whatever size needle that the machine came with. Till i found out i needed a ballpoint needle. Thanks so much for this. I will now have to make a sample book for each needle and what fabrics to use, so i use the right needle for the right fabric.
Thank you for taking the time to tell us these things. No one, most generally, ever told us anything about this. They just taught us the 'basics' about sewing--- if we learned anything.
Thank you so much for this information. I didn't know the full extent of needle sizing until watching this video even though I have been sewing for a few years.
Thank you SO MUCH! I sewed a wrap around skirt in school, back in 1968, using an old treadle machine... and decided I wasn't made for sewing. Fast forward to the current pandemic, and I actually pulled out an old Singer to make face masks. And discovered that sewing with this machine was a lot different than the old antique. Yeah, found my love of sewing. But I have found the "which needle do I use" question to be so confusing that I've used nothing but a universal size 12. Ever! You explained the differences, and when to use which one SO VERY WELL. Now I can actually figure it out myself, without waiting in long lines in the fabric store to get to someone that would know the answer! AND without ruining my new sewing machine by using the wrong size, snapping it off inside the machine and having it create havoc inside the machinery! So again... thanks, you're a great teacher!
This is the best tutorial on needles types and sizes I've ever found on RU-vid. Also, *forget* asking Alexa any questions about sewing needles--she doesn't *know* a thing!
I have been sewing for years and familiar with types of needles but completely lost on size. Thank you for making this so simple to understand. You are an amazing teacher!!!
SO helpful! Thank-you. Have been wondering about this for ages... and now realise that - like you - most of my projects are ok with a universal 12. What a relief. Now, though, I know what I need to do for quilting, and the occasional very thin fabric.
I store my machine pressor foot down with patch of fabric between foot and dog. I discovered a white patch has a second use. Place it behind the needle; this backdrop makes the eye very obvious and blocks chrome glare of the pressor foot holder & adjacent chromed hardware. This made manual threading much easier especially with thread too thick for the machine's needle threader.
It’s RU-vidrs like you that make newbs to sewing like me more relaxed when using such an expensive machine. I’ve started sewing because my daughter will be having her first child. So I want to sew baby quilts and make little outfits for him or her. I started to practise on a pair of overalls for myself using heavy linen and I’ve broken 2 needles. Especially when it came to the really thick parts of my project. Now with a bit of knowledge that you passed down it’s all good now. I actually had jeans needles that I purchased before I got the sewing machine. I totally forgot I had. I’m down to the belt straps. And hem and I’m done. I wish I remembered I had them when I started the project. Never mind I’m pretty sure I’ll use them again. Especially now that I’ll be quilting next. Sewing is so much fun. Thank you once again.
I love love love your channel. Not only do you explain things clearly and concisely, but your cute old Hollywood style is so charming! Admittedly, I stumbled on your channel because I got so excited about sewing vintage clothing, but as I've stuck around, I've found the main draw of your channel for me has been learning the basics of sewing that I've never been able to learn. I've been sewing for a few decades now, but always without proper training, knowledge, technique, and I generally still am not a great sewer! But after watching so many of your videos, I feel way more confident to pick back up this old hobby and try again with fresh eyes. I feel like I can actually start to improve over time instead of stay stagnant as a beginner for more decades to come! Thanks for being you! And oh my goodness is your style so cute! Have a beautiful day! Christi
Hey Evelyn. Would you be able to make a video telling us about which thread to use with which fabric? For example what thread is best when constructing a coat? Thank you again for your videos. In the short time I have been watching, my sewing has greatly improved.
I've been making doll clothes lately and found that by pre cutting a bunch of patterns and sorting them by fabric type/needle type and thread colour. That way I can do lots without changing.
Thank you so incredibly much! My first time shopping for needles went just as you said in the beginning except I was in the store googling on my phone which needle I needed for my Brother sewing machine. At the time I had no idea needles were standardized and fit all machines nor did I know what the numbers corresponded to or about different needles for different fabrics. Needless to say I was lost. It was only by chance that I ended up walking out with the correct needle for the fabrics I was using at the time. However as I venture more and more into sewing I’ve realized the need to better understand my needle choices. Thanks so much for saving me from ruining my future projects by using the wrong needle. Now I can shop with confidence!
I’m new to sewing so this was very very informative for me. Thank you so much I think I’ll create a cheat sheet put it up above my sewing machine so that I will remember that all needles are not the same thank you.
Evelyn, you did an excellent job explaining the needle types and sizes. Much of my sewing is with standardized needles too - sizes 9-14 and occasionally 16-18. The tension of the sewing machine is a factor as well. Though, I know what needles work best with what fabrics before beginning a project I always test the needle on a swatch (scrap) of fabric; it is a habit I carried over from learning to sew as a child. Testing the needle on the fabric is a great indicator of how the two will work together.
This one is a Godsend, I went to technical college in the 60ies, did not take serious because it was my mother's idea not mine. Now I want to learn, these videos are helping me to reacquaint my self to the world of sewing, thanks a bunch.
Thanks. Just started sewing…….this is very good information. Didn’t realize that there were so many needle sizes. This is going to help a lot. Thanks again.
I pretty much have the correct needle size down after sewing forca few decades. The best way I've found to keep my needles sorted and know what size is in my machine is to use a tomato. I've marked the different sections with the needle size and bp for ball point. Glued a small button to the top of a common pin. When I need to change needles I can immediately see what size is in my machine because that little pin with the button is in its place in the tomato.
Love....this....vid! When they ask me what size I want of needleI usually just look clueless and mumble a question about what they typically use. Im watching this one several times, I so needed this!
Appreciate this information so much. Its been a while since I did any serious sewing. I bought a new machine and was confused about the needles size . You successfully have cleared up my confusion.
Thank you Evelyn, once again, so helpful and informative. Could you one day please also advise when to use twin needles and "blue tip " needles? Keep up the great tutorials, so helpful to novices like me!!
Just started sewing again after years of being out of the loop, man was I happy to find you ! Love your style and can’t wait to get to know you on RU-vid as I just subscribed to your channel. Keep the videos coming I have lots to regroup on. Thank you so much. God Bless.
Wait, did you just say I can use my new Singer needles in my new Brother machine. I was going to go buy needles for this machine. Ahhhhh. I love you. ❣
What a nice easy to listen to voice and a real pleasant person to look at, if only my teachers at school could have been like this, nice and easy to follow and if someone or something catches your interest, it really does help you learn. Thank you Evelyn.
I quilt, fashion sew, home dec sew and machine embroider. I’ve sewn everything from batiste to heavy denim to Sunbrella to glitter vinyl. Picking the right size and type of needle can make or break your project.
Thank you so much for this! I was looking for this info. I have to watch it again so I can take proper notes or prepare a cheat sheet. Thank you, thank you!!!
Hi Evelyn, I use universal/12 and jeans denim/16 & up. I am a big fan of new needles, I change my needle after using 2 bobbins. I always touch the point of the needle on purpose to check, ow! Don't use bent needles, and keep your used needles separated from new.🤣 Funny bloopers, nobody's perfect. Practice, practice, practice.
Thank you very much for the nice demonstration . Really fantastic and explained in ver very simple language about the common problems face by beginners.
Thanks for your information, I sewing for over 50 years myself, and always wondering the size of different needles, I know more now, thanks very much for your video, BTW, your smile is charming and beautiful.
Thank you! You just cleared up a lot of confusion for me! Now I have a list of the needles I need to pick up in order to get on with my next project. 🤗
This is so good Evelyn! Found this via a more recent video. Saved this for future reference. I’ve done sewing classes which covered needle selection but they NEVER explained the sizes!! Thank you Evelyn!!! 😀
You might want to cover needle systems so that the sewer doesn't accidently buy a needle imcompatible with their machine. A needle that is too long can cause a lot of damage and frustration. I use a lot of DX-1 needles that are size 22. I use both industrial and home type machines so I have to use the right needle for the macihine. Your videos are great. I learn a lot from them.
Cleared up the mystery surrounding needles for me. I do appreciate the information being presented was concise and clear. I’m a retired person learning a new skill and this type of single purpose short video really helps to focus on one important skill at a time. My mother was a tailor who learned her skill in Milan. I was always the best dressed kid in school. In a different time I would have learned from her; now I have you and try to learn and practice those vintage skills that result in the polished finish I’m familiar with.
Your videos always seem to be perfectly timed!!! I’ve always struggled to properly understand what needles to use for what fabrics and hey presto here you are to give the answer! Thank you for being here!
Almost excellent. I got excited when you held up the Schmetz that had 130/705H 15xH and wanted to know what it meant. I googled it and found that it means (from the Schmetz web site) 130/705 refers to a needle with a flat shank, which, as you say in the video is the Universal. Thank you for the video - off to watch more of yours!
Thank you for the information about needle sizes. I have always used a size 14 for everything, at least until I watched your video. I'm going to switch to a size 12 now, but never heard of this size, and hope I can find them. Thanks again!
I have been sewing for years (on and off) and I can't believe this is the first time I have ever heard this explained. Thanks. I'm feeling a little silly knowing how many stretch projects I have done and didn't even know to use a ballpoint needle. It's amazing how many worked out considering, although some didn't and I didn't know why!
This was absolutely great! You've explained everything so simply. Thank you. I'm new to sewing. Am looking forward to watching your videos. Thank you from Lucy in Canada!
This video has really helped me with needle types and sizes. I am a beginner at sewing. I just bought a Singer Heavy Duty 4452 sewing machine to start sewing. I haven't opened it out of the box yet. My mom is going to help me get started on it this weekend. My goal is to learn how to make clothes. I go to the Carolina Renaissance Festival every year and see all those wonderful dresses. I want to learn how to make different kinds of dress costumes to wear at the festival. Like in other videos of yours where you explain to start small, I am going to start with simple projects like a pillow or something. After I get comfortable with it, I will learn how to hem and mend clothes. What I think that will be difficult to me is learning how to measure my own size, bust, inseam, etc.. Finally, I just want to say, I really love your videos so I did hit subscribe and have been watching some of them. I have learned a great deal and haven't even begun to sew yet.
You are literally god send! I have been meaning to make a dress - based on a dress I already own. I think the pattern is simple enough to follow, but then I started gathering materials and started to try to learn the machine, and you are right, panic set in. I don't want to muck anything up, so I have scraps that I will use to learn the machine. But I have been watching your videos for a week or so now, and I have to say, thank you. Thank you for providing this guidance. I have looked at a lot of other design and sewing videos, but they are not as thorough as you are, or perhaps I like the way you talk! Either way, just lovely, and thank you again.
I didn’t even know about the first ctegory…thanks! I knew of the numbers (since they are on the package), but wasn’t aware what exactly they represented.
This video was so helpful. I was totally confused about the two numbering system, European vs. American, and now it makes complete sense. Thank you once again, Evelyn.
So needle sizes are almost like womens sizes. Size 8 to 10? Sounds thin, so probably thinner,light fabrics. Average? size 12. Fabrics getting bigger and thicker? size 14 or 16 (like women). Just an easy way I remember it lol
Thank you for the primer. Like you, I didn't realize at first that needles came in different sizes, and I was still confused about the different points. You've cleared that up for me.
Thank you so much I know have a better idea of needles only been sewing since I was 12 and I’m 70 now and never thought about what needed was best for my fabric will of course be looking for the right size. Love your vids xxxxx
