How to Choose a Sewing Machine Needle
Most home sewing machines (about 99% of them) use the same class of needles. Within that class, there is a staggering array of sizes, and types to suit a wide variety of applications. The whole process of picking the right needle is often misunderstood and many people get quite confused, but I found a really great resource to help clear things up. - AND IT'S FREE!!!
 Choosing the Right Sewing Machine Needle Booklet |
Jo-Ann's has a great little booklet in PDF form that really explains the ins and outs of selecting a sewing machine needle very well. There are clear illustrations of several types of needles along with a REALLY informative page titled, "Anatomy of a Machine Needle". The last page has a reference chart for European and American/Asian needle sizes and a guide to help choose the correct size of needle based on the weight of the fabric. This is one to print out and keep handy in your sewing room, so be sure to download it now while it's still available. Note- the following information is omitted from the pamphlet:: Stretch needles have an offset blade that can rub against the needle opening or even the hook on machines in which the hook is set in very close. Many quality, vintage machines have very close tolerances between the hook and needle, and using a stretch needle with these machines is not advised. |
You find the best info, Jenny! Thanks for this and the darning and embroidery manual!! To say nothing of the manual I read through on Saturday night. I just bought a 301A on Saturday-didn't plan it, it was kismet! My repair guy just had a black short-bed on the table and then it was in my car! I wanted to know if the slant foot for free-motion will work for me on this machine, it seems like yes and the price is certainly right! I will also be looking for a long-bed extension part if ever there is one available, my short one is missing a chunk of metal at the back corner. It won't make it hard to use, it's really just too pretty to leave broken, if I can fix it! You are such a great source of knowledge and I wanted to say thanks.
Which slant foot for free-motion are your speaking about? The clear one listed on my Parts and Supplies site (SCF009)?
Yes, I have tried this on a 301, and did put in the description that it fits on the 301. Not all of them do, so that's a good question to ask.
I don't have a blaclk 301 parts machine at this time from whic to harvest a bed extension. Sorry.
In the future, you may want to contact me through my On-line Shop directly with parts and supplies inquires.
Thanks, Jenny! I will use the other contact in future. Just thought I'd kill two birds with one post!
Jenny I bought a 403 from you a few years back and still have it. Thanks so much for this - I'm printing out several to share with my ASG.