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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: mikecox
Date: 09-26-2003, 10:10 PM (1 of 9)
Would someone explain the needle code to me?

I have a Singer, so I buy only Singer needles, as advised by folks on this board.

What does the Style "DCx1F" mean? Why this instead of the simple style numbers they use on most other Singer needles?

They say needles are easy to "select" by their color code, but what is the code? Is there a chart printed somewhere?

What do the numbers "Size nn/nn" mean?

Is there a specific needle for leather?

Thanks
Michael
In San Diego
User: mikecox
Member since: 09-08-2003
Total posts: 42
From: plrlegal
Date: 09-26-2003, 10:59 PM (2 of 9)
Michael I'm sitting here looking at my Singer needle packages and I don't see any of the codes you are talking about. Are you talking about the blue and gold Singer packaged needles? all of my packages have an item #4723, style #2020 and size #90/14 for medium weight woven fabrics and yes, they are also color coded, ile., these particular needles have a red top with a turquoise color band right below the red that is visible when you put the needle in the machine.

Then I have a package with Item #4820; Style 2045; size 90/14 for all medium weight knits, gold top with a turqoise band righ below that that is visible when you put the needle in the machine.

Then, I have 3 dufference sizes of overlock (serger) needles.

Patsy
Patsy
User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001
Total posts: 318
From: Aimee S
Date: 09-27-2003, 02:45 PM (3 of 9)
The color code is similar to the one used by schemtz. Like the blue tip ones are the denim size 16/100

on the size you have nn/nn there are many like the size 10 usa and the 60 for european.

would read 10/60 a stretch is usally represented by 11/75 and a 12 is for med wight wovens is 12/80 and the heavier the wovens the biger the needle that is way a denim would be a 16/100

A leather needle is designated by the word leather. it can be a size 16/100 for thin leather and up to a 20/140. I have a singer machine and I use the scmetz needles in it but my primary machine is a Janome.

When I contacted schmetz at www.schmetz.com and asked how to be able to purchase mass amounts of needles they sent me a great little refference book that has all the codes and needle sizes. it is written by a tech person but I am able to get the basics from it. Maybe if you contact them they will send you one also.

like H is for home sewing
E or H-E is for home embroidery and sewing. color red
H-J is for home sewing and Jeans color blue
H-M is for micro fibers color purple
H-Q is for Quilting color gren
H-S is for stretch color yellow
H-SUK is med ball point for lycra and knitted fabrics no color


If I can help any more let me know
The more you disaprove, the more fun I am having!

http://photos.yahoo.com/aimeehs29
User: Aimee S
Member since: 02-23-2003
Total posts: 488
From: Debzy
Date: 10-07-2003, 09:24 AM (4 of 9)
this is an interesting thread.
can anyone explain to me the difference between a normal sewing needle and a quilting machine needle?
User: Debzy
Member since: 06-02-2003
Total posts: 71
From: dmoses
Date: 10-07-2003, 10:34 AM (5 of 9)
Here is some basic info on the different types of needles, although it has nothing about codes.

http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/textiles/nf250.htm
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: MaryW
Date: 10-07-2003, 11:16 AM (6 of 9)
A quilting machine needle is stronger to go thru more layers of fabric without damaging the fibres.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005
Total posts: 2542
From: mikecox
Date: 10-07-2003, 11:32 AM (7 of 9)
Singer.com was unable to provide a complete list of all the codes on their needles, but they did send me the following address; of the place that makes their needles. I'm waiting for an answer from them.

Dyno Merchandise Corp.
1571 West Copans Road, Suite 105
Pompano Beach, FL 33064-1513
Michael
In San Diego
User: mikecox
Member since: 09-08-2003
Total posts: 42
From: dmoses
Date: 10-07-2003, 11:46 AM (8 of 9)
Mike, I think that the needle you mentioned may be a serger needle. Some sergers take regular sewing machine needles, and some take special 'serger' needles.

http://www.sewingsupplywarehouse.com/organdcx1f.html
Take care,
Donna
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002
Total posts: 964
From: mikecox
Date: 10-07-2003, 12:11 PM (9 of 9)
Originally posted by dmoses
Mike, I think that the needle you mentioned may be a serger needle.

You'd think Singer would have been able to tell me that, wouldn't you. :nc:

Thanks, mystery solved. And thanks for the link, I've bookmarked it :bluesmile
Michael
In San Diego
User: mikecox
Member since: 09-08-2003
Total posts: 42
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