Understanding Ball Point Needles
Sewing knit, stretch, and loosely woven fabrics can be tricky. Unlike tightly woven materials, these fabrics are prone to runs and holes if punctured. This is where ball point needles become invaluable. Their unique rounded tip is designed to maneuver between the fabric's fibers rather than piercing them, preventing damage and ensuring a clean, professional finish.
Why Use Ball Point Needles?
The structure of knit and stretch fabrics is what necessitates the use of a ballpoint needle. These materials are made up of interlinking fibers that are easily damaged. A standard sharp needle will pierce these fibers, creating a small hole. Under stress (like stretching or movement), this hole can easily enlarge, leading to unsightly runs in your garment. The rounded tip of a ball point needle gently pushes the fibers apart, allowing the needle to pass through without causing damage. This preserves the integrity of the fabric and prevents future snags and tears.
Types of Ball Point Needles
Not all ball point needles are created equal. Different needle sizes and tip shapes cater to specific fabric weights and sewing projects. Here are some common types:
- SES (Thin Ball Point): Ideal for lightweight to medium-weight knit fabrics, such as jersey and fine knits.
- SUK (Medium Ball Point): A versatile choice for a wide range of knit and stretch fabrics, offering a balance between thin and heavy ball points.
- S/Ball (Slim Ball Point): Excellent for very fine knit fabrics and delicate sewing projects.
- SKU (Heavy Ball Point): Best suited for heavier weight knit fabrics and projects requiring more durability.
Choosing the Right Ball Point Needle
Selecting the appropriate ball point needle depends on the fabric you're working with:
- Lightweight Knits (e.g., jersey): Use SES (Thin Ball Point) needles.
- Medium-weight Knits (e.g., interlock): Use SUK (Medium Ball Point) needles.
- Heavyweight Knits (e.g., double knit): Use SKU (Heavy Ball Point) needles.
- Delicate Knits: Use S/Ball (Slim Ball Point) needles.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Success
- Check your needle regularly for bending or dulling. Replace damaged needles immediately to avoid damaging your fabric.
- Match your needle size to the weight of your fabric and thread. Using an incorrect needle size can lead to skipped stitches, broken needles, and damage to your project.
- Use the correct sewing machine tension. Improper tension can cause skipped stitches or broken threads.
- Test your needle on a scrap piece of fabric before starting your project to ensure it's working correctly.
Conclusion
Ball point needles are essential tools for anyone who works with knit and stretch fabrics. By understanding the different types of ball point needles and choosing the right one for your project, you can achieve clean, professional results and prevent damage to your precious materials. Remember to always check your needle's condition, match it to your fabric weight, and maintain proper sewing machine tension to maximize results. Happy Sewing!
