Sewing machine needles come in a variety of sizes and types and many of the problems I see online are caused by using the wrong needle type.
Generally when you buy a machine it comes with universal needles in the box. Universal is a misnomer. They are very useful on a wide variety of woven fabrics. Universal needles in a size 12 are what I use for anything that is a medium weight woven.
Jeans needles are for heavy fabrics like denim and canvas. Generally I go up to a 14 or 16 in a jeans needle.
Microtex needles are super sharp. They are excellent for woven fabrics that are delicate, snag easily, or are tightly woven. I use them on silks, satin, and cotton poplins. When all else fails on a fabric, try a microtex. Microtex come in larger sizes and can be used on heavy fabrics. Microtex needles need replaced more frequently than other needle types.
Ballpoint or Jersey needles are the same thing, usually they are labeled as ballpoint in the US and Jersey elsewhere. Ballpoint needles are appropriate for stable knit such as cotton jersey with no or minimal stretch fibers added.
Stretch needles are similar to ballpoint needles in the sense that they are for knit fabrics. Stretch needles are intended for fabrics with a higher stretch fiber percentage and in addition to that they work well on more stable knits. They are what I keep in stock for working with the widest variety of knit fabrics. I usually buy 11 or 12 in stretch needles.
Super stretch are for super stretchy problem child knits, I have not tried these as they are relatively new on the market but I will be picking up a pack before I make swimwear again.
In addition to the types above there are a great many other needles with specific uses. Within each type there is a range of sizes and the needle size should be chosen to match your fabric and thread.
Needles are consumables and will become gradually dull as you sew. The rule of thumb is that you need to replace after roughly 8 hours of run time. If you have been using a needle for a while and things start to go wrong or the machine sound changes, the first step on troubleshooting is a new needle. Old needles can damage your fabric and are more likely to break.
I also want to advise against buying off brand needles and included in that category are Singer branded needles. I personally only buy schmetz and organ brand needles and I buy exclusively off wawak.com (US and Canada only).
We've been quietly working on something we hope makes this community a lot more useful — and today we're excited to share it with you.
What's in the wiki?
We built it to answer the questions we see every week — so whether you're picking up a needle for the very first time or you've been at it a few months and hit a wall, there's something in here for you.
Here's what's covered:
🧵 Getting started — What to make first, hand vs. machine, and the YouTube channels worth bookmarking
🪡 Machine buying guide — Budget breakdowns, brand recommendations, and how to buy a great secondhand machine
✂️ Tools & notions glossary — Every tool explained in plain English, plus what you actually need to start vs. what's nice to have later
🔧 Techniques & troubleshooting — Pressing, seam finishes, backstitching, and a troubleshooting table for the most common machine gremlins
📐 Pattern reading & sizing — Why sewing sizes aren't clothing sizes, how to read pattern markings, and what "ease" means
🎨 Fabric guide — Wovens vs. knits, beginner-friendly fabric types, pre-washing, and where to buy
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❓ FAQ — Detailed answers to the questions we see most often
This wiki belongs to all of us — and we need your help
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That's where you come in.
We want to hear from you if:
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We'll review every suggestion and update the wiki regularly. If your contribution makes it in, we'll do our best to acknowledge it — this is genuinely a community project and we want it to reflect the knowledge that lives here.
A note on what makes this community special
This subreddit exists because sewing has a steep early learning curve and a long tradition of people helping each other climb it. Every question answered, every "here's what worked for me," every photo of a wonky first pillowcase posted with pride — that's what makes r/SewingForBeginners worth showing up to.
The wiki is our attempt to bottle some of that up so it doesn't get lost in the scroll. But it'll never replace the real thing, which is all of you asking and answering in the comments every day.
Thank you for being part of this. Now go make something. 🧵
You were all, of course, right! The topstitching makes such a difference, it kept the inner lining from showing nonstop, and I can see why I should be doing it every time! I really appreciate everyone who took the time to offer advice!
Still working through some tension issues, and I feel a little silly for not realizing how much thread length could contribute to the problem, in addition to the tension setting itself. Lots to learn, but I’m having fun. I'll definitely work more on making straight lines!
My grandma passed when I was 12 and I inherited 8 different patterns from this collection. I’ve been hoarding them because none of the projects seemed special enough for me to cut into my precious fabric. Creating an heirloom feels right and I think I have enough that I could make my siblings one as well with enough supplemental scraps!
Followed tutorial from Sew Happy channel on Youtube
Was between a few sizes, settled on L
Used bias tape from the pattern instead of premade one used in the tutorial
Used scissors to trim seam allowances and zigzag to finish edges instead of a serger. (Looks bad, I need better scissors, or not to trim at all)
For my material (linen) the gathering by hand didnt work. I tried 3 times and then just increased tension to max to get the desired effect automatically.
Mistakes:
Didnt realize that the pattern is a layered pdf, had to painfully color my size on printed sheets lol
Cut one piece on the fold + cut the fold by accident lol (back ruffle) than sewed them back together oops
Had many issues with sewing thick button loop tie
Issues with bad threading of the machine arround the button area, needles falling out, bobbin running out of thread mid stitch etc
Fit:
Decent, tight around arms and upper back, but couldnt be forseen
Learned a lot, pretty proud of hemming work and it could pass as store bought (from a distance hehe)
My daughter has been working for 2 years as a nurse at a children's hospital. When she was in nursing school, she had a professor from Africa who had a set of scrubs from FULL-ON DENIM. She talked about them all the time and how awesome she thought they were, so I want to try sewing her a set! I'm a confident beginner with high-risk tendencies, so who knows how it will turn out!
I'm planning to use a NewLook scrubs pattern listed as average skill. This week I plan to find a light-to-mid-weight denim in a med-dark wash. She runs VERY cold at work, so I think this will be a good weight for her.
I guess I'm just posting because... I need to hear "good luck" or similar? Maybe a few quick tips? Has anyone ever made scrubs with denim? 🤣
Used to sew a bit in high school (took the advanced sewing classes) and went to college for Fashion Merchandising (still had to take some design classes) but now at 33 most of the knowledge is long gone.
Been thinking about getting back into sewing, and found a sewing machine (Singer MX231) at a garage sale the other weekend still in the box maybe used once - so it was fate! My daughter found this fabric when we were in Walmart, and figured I can make something fun with this!
Spent about 2.5h over two nights making these fun pants! Made a critical mistake by not properly reading the instructions - thus one pant leg has the pattern on the inside. I realized it almost immediately, but I figured what the heck, it's my first project let me just see it through, and I'm so glad I did! I'm super pleased with how these came out!!! Lines aren't perfect but my kiddo is absolutely obsessed and it fit her perfectly.
Last month, my friend gifted me a sewing machine that was collecting dust at their place. I sewed a bit when I was younger and have hand-sewn over the years. It has been a lot of fun relearning how to sew.
I drafted this dress pattern from one I owned but shortened the length. Although I went a little too short. It ended up being a happy accident because I added ruffles to add length.
Can't wait to wear this out to the pumpkin patch this weekend!
Making this cute dino costume using just some patterns I had laying around. I'm a beginner sewist and I'm at a loss because the dots on the costume are coming apart and looks to be fraying almost???? Any ideas on how I can repair?. Maybe redo the stitch all together.
Fabric is flannel that is lined with some blanket that is thrifted. This is a costume and fabric that my sister picked out.
Making the Pokemon Masquerain and currently having trouble with the wings. I'm trying to sew a rainbow like shape but whenever I try to complete it. It ends up being all bunched up. If I Start from the middle of the curve/rainbow shape and make my way to the end of it. I end up with a lot of material left over.
I'm just a bit confused because my pattern I made does account for the seam lines and they do overlap just fine. If anyone has any helpful advice or links to curved/rounded/tutorials tutorials that would be helpful. Thanks!
I'm an early intermediate sewing amateur, building various workwear projects, and I'd like to build a jacket next. I have a copy of Workwear at home, and I'm torn between the chore jacket or the blazer.
I'd be tempted to make the Chore Jacket a bit of a bleu-de-travail (with an inside patch pocket on one side), or an unlined / half-lined version of the Blazer as a kind of "easy suit" option, but I'm curious about people's experiences.
I just got into sewing and decided to buy a fiskars rotary cutter with a 45mm blade that’s suitable for “multiple layers” I read on Reddit that a mat wasn’t necessary but nice to have so I just bought the rotary cutter. My problem however is I use it with a cutting mat and I’ve used it on a plastic cutting board type situation and I struggle cutting a single layer of fabric even if I go back and fourth. Is it me? The mat? Did I get a bad rotary cutter? Idk this I my first time working with this tool so maybe it’s user error but idk I’m getting frustrated every time I start a new project and get to cutting fabric.
I tripped while walking home a few weeks back and ripped a hole in my favourite jeans 😔
I usually repair holes like this using a blanket stitch and it tends to hold BUT in this case the denim around the knees is quite thin. These are also my only tailored pair of pants nd I wear them very often so I would like to try something a little sturdier.
Would I be able put some kind of backing around this area to reinforce it while repairing the hole? If so what material would you recommend?
Of course I could put a patch over it but if possible I'd like the repairs to be invisible from the outside.
Before I begin, wanted to start off with saying that I've already contacted Brother Support about my issue but wanted to see if anyone had any ideas while I wait to hear back (they had to escalate the issue to their senior sewing technicians as it is "quite unusual").
I was gifted a Brother LB7950 sewing machine for my birthday. I am a complete beginner and was excited to get started! Following the instruction manual, I set up my machine. The last thing to do was replace the needle that came with the machine with one that fit my purposes better. I followed the instructions to a T, and the OG needle came right out. However, I was unable to put a new needle back in. Worried I had somehow bought incorrect needles, I tried putting back the OG needle to no avail. When I looked at the slot the needle goes into, this is what I see (photo attached). It seems the needle clamp has displaced and blocks the opening. Even removing the screw completely does not fix the problem.
Is there any fixing this, or have I gotten a defective machine and should just exchange the machine for a new one? Luckily it's from Costco so should not be an issue. Is there a way to avoid this issue in the future? Any insight while I wait to hear back from Brother would be greatly appreciated!
Hi!! I’m new to sewing and am starting my first pattern, however: the body measurements are smaller than the finished garment measurements. The bust, for example, is 5 inches bigger as the finished garment. Does this mean my project will be the wrong size after sewing? Any help is appreciated!!
I thrifted this dress and it’s beautiful, though I’m not a big fan of the straight waist on it. My hopes are to sew the skirt part up under where the chest is to make it have a more babydoll dress look. The only issue/barrier is that there’s a long zipper in the back. I’m not sure how to tackle it or how to alter it.
I’m new to sewing so I’m a bit stumped. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
