With more than 165 years of experience, SCHMETZ has developed into a leading global provider of needle systems for the processing of textile products.
Its comprehensive worldwide presence is ensured through its own distribution companies and a dense network of distributors on all continents.
SCHMETZ in the hobby sewing sector
The SCHMETZ brand is also known and popular among hobby sewers. Also in the hobby sewing sector selecting the correct needle is the key for a perfect sewing result. Accordingly, SCHMETZ products for the hobby sector are tailored to those individual needs and requirements. The extensive range consisting of about 300 products has the right needle for any application. At SCHMETZ, the same high standards for industrial sewing machine needles also apply to needles for the hobby sector. This means that hobby sewers can also sew with industrial quality, which can significantly improve their results.
The Packaging of SCHMETZ Needles
The characteristical SCHMETZ Colour Marking
The colour marking on the shoulder of the SCHMETZ household sewing machine needles enables the needle type and size to be identified quickly. The first colour indicates the needle type, the second colour represents the needle size:
Once the needle is removed from the packaging, it is often difficult to identify the needle type. Although the needle size is imprinted on the shank, it is very small. SCHMETZ has responded to the needs of the users and has also introduced a colour marking on the sewing needles. This means that the needle can be identified clearly even without the packaging.
SCHMETZ uses eleven colours for the marking system that are easy to tell apart. The Universal Needle only has one colour marking for the needle size. Also in the case of needle types that are easy to identify with the naked eye, due to a distinctive feature or their coating, only the needle size is colour-marked.
The Embroidery Spring Needle can be identified quickly and easily thanks to its distinctive spiral spring.
The Hemstitch Needle can be identified by the two "wings" on the left and right of the needle blade. It is available in the sizes NM 100/16 and NM 120/19.
The Double Eye Needle with its two eyes and the Quick Threading Needle with its small slot on the side of the eye are both easy to identify.
The Super Universal Needle sets itself apart visually with its dark Gray non-stick coating.
The Gold Embroidery Needle is also easy to identify: It has a shiny gold titanium nitrite coating for a longer needle service life.
Needles that are difficult to differentiate from the Universal Needle have two coloured marks: The bottom colour also represents the needle size, the other colour at the top identifies the needle type.
Information on the needle type and size is also printed on the packaging of the SCHMETZ sewing needles.
The Elements of a Household Sewing Machine Needle
Point shapes for SCHMETZ household sewing machine needles
There is often the misconception that sewing needles are always sharp, especially among beginners to sewing. However, if you look at the points in detail, you will see that there are different point shapes used for different applications: SCHMETZ offers six different point shapes, each with a different area of application, for its household range.
You can test it out for yourself and see what effects the different points have while sewing: Get a Jeans and Microtex Needle, NM 110 each – the thicker the needle, the better the test can be performed. Now try to penetrate multiple layers of the denim material using the Microtex Needle. You will notice that this requires a great deal of force. Carry out the same test using the Jeans Needle. Far less force is necessary here to penetrate the layers. The reason for this is that each point has different effects: for instance, rounded points reduce the penetration resistance of woven and knitted fabrics, making sewing easier for you and your machine.
The point styles for SCHMETZ household sewing machines in detail:
1. Slightly rounded point
The slightly rounded point is the standard point shape for household sewing machines. This point shape is qualified for trouble-free sewing of most materials and many applications.
The following sewing needles have a slightly rounded point:
- Universal Needle
- Super Universal Needle
- Topstitch Needle
- Embroidery Needle
- Metallic Needle
- Double Eye Needle
- (Hemstitch Needle)
- (Quick Threading Needle)
2. Acute round point
This is a slim, acute point shape, useful for accurate piercing of densely woven and coated materials. It creates an exact seam appearance with straight stitches and helps to reduce seam puckering.
The following sewing needle has an acute round point:
- Microtex Needle
3. Slightly rounded point with special taper
The slim point with special taper to the slightly rounded point easily penetrates thick layers of fabric and batting and avoids material damages. It is the best point shape for quilting and patchwork.
The following needle has a slightly rounded point with special taper:
- Quilting Needle
4. Light ball point
This point shape displaces woven and knitted threads, directly piercing the spaces between the threads. Therefore, it avoids material damages. This is the best point shape for embroidery.
The following sewing needles have a light ball point:
- Embroidery Needle
- Gold Embroidery Needle
5. Medium ball point (SUK)
The medium ball point is more rounded than a light ball point. Therefore, it can be used for coarser knitwear, for material containing Lycra/Spandex and it is also very suitable for medium to heavy denim.
The following sewing needles have a medium ball point:
- Stretch Needle
- Jersey Needle
- Jeans Needle
6. Twist point (LL)
This cutting point has a lens-shaped cross-section and the incision is made at an angle to the direction of the seam. It provides easier penetration of leather and leather-like materials. This point shape creates a decorative stitch slightly inclined towards the left (in household machines which are threaded from the front).
The following sewing needle has a twist point:
- Leather Needle