Embroidery Needles for Commercial Machines
Buckets of Ink stocks machine embroidery needles in every everyday size — 60/8 through 100/16 — in sharp and ballpoint points, sold in 10-packs and 100-needle boxes. Most shops run a 75/11 embroidery needle with 40 wt thread; use ballpoint on knits and sharp on caps and wovens. Ships from Tempe, AZ — call 480-229-7806.
| Embroidery needle size | Use it for |
|---|
| 60/8 – 65/9 | 60 wt thread, tiny lettering, lightweight and fine fabrics |
| 70/10 | Fine detail on shirts and light knits |
| 75/11 | The everyday size for 40 wt thread on polos, tees and most garments |
| 80/12 | Caps, twill, heavier wovens and metallic thread |
| 90/14 | Thick caps, canvas, denim, jackets and heavier threads |
| 100/16 | Very heavy materials such as thick canvas and leather-like goods |
Pair the right needle with the right stabilizer, fresh bobbins and quality Madeira embroidery thread for clean, break-free stitching. Need everything at once? See all embroidery supplies or our Happy Japan embroidery machines.
Embroidery Needles FAQ
What size embroidery needle should I use?
For most garments sewn with 40 wt embroidery thread, a 75/11 needle is the standard. Use 65/9 or 70/10 for 60 wt thread, small lettering and fine fabrics, and 80/12 to 90/14 for caps, canvas, denim, heavy jackets or thicker and metallic threads. 100/16 is for very heavy materials. See our embroidery needle size chart for the full guide.
Ballpoint or sharp embroidery needles — which do I need?
Use ballpoint needles on knits such as t-shirts, polos and performance wear; the rounded point slides between fibers instead of cutting them, which prevents holes and runs. Use sharp needles on woven fabrics such as caps, twill, denim, canvas and jackets, where a clean penetration gives crisper detail.
Are machine embroidery needles different from sewing needles?
Yes. Machine embroidery needles are built for high-speed stitching with embroidery thread, with a larger eye and scarf that reduce friction, shredding and thread breaks. Hand embroidery needles (crewel, tapestry) are a different product and do not fit embroidery machines.
How often should I change embroidery needles?
Change a needle as soon as you see thread shredding, skipped stitches, snagged fabric or hear a punching sound — and on a regular schedule in production, because a dull or burred needle is one of the most common causes of thread breaks. Read why embroidery thread keeps breaking.
Which embroidery needle sizes and packs do you carry?
We stock Madeira machine embroidery needles in sizes 60/8, 65/9, 70/10, 75/11, 80/12, 90/14 and 100/16, in sharp and ballpoint points, sold in 10-packs and 100-needle boxes, with large-eye options in popular sizes. Pick yours in the product list below or call 480-229-7806.
