Use 14 denim heavy duty needle

You defintely want to use a heavy duty needle, you may also need to adjust your tension and/or your sewing speed. I know some machines don't have a speed control when doing embroidery but you may have better luck if you slow down if you are able.

I wouls use a "jeansneedle" for that kind of work too. Good luck.

So do, I Soi. Number 14. I don't have to slow machine down, though. Be sure to hoop stabilizer only for corduroy as it gets hoop burn easily.;)

I use Organ brand Titanium needles and I almost always use a 75/11 but if it's a really heavy denim like a jacket back you can use a 80/12. If it's a stretch denim like many ladies' jackets and pants are made of then I would use the smaller of the two so that the punch hole made by the needle is not damaging the Lycra that makes it stretchy. You can end up with puckers after a few washings if the needle holes are too big like when you use a 14 on that type of material.

The Titanium needles (most sewing shops now sell them) seem to stay sharp forever - about 5X as long! No Joke! They are not much more expensive (a few bucks) than regular chrome plated needles.

Here is a link to a page with Excellent information as to why you should really use embroidery needles instead of a regular or denim sewing machine needles.

http://www.embroiderysupplies.com/needle-selection-guide.htm

Use a heavy duty needle. A flower for you

A metallic needle has a bigger eye so the thread does not shred. No need to use one of those for heavy material. I normally use a 75/11 embroidery needle or an 80/12 sharper needle (like a jeans needle) for denim. For regular sewing of denim I use a heavier one as you have double or treble layers to get through, like seams and cuffs, but not for embroidery on single layers.

U didn't ask me charlie #14 is what I use when making purses from old cut off jeans *4U

Great question, thank you.

Sometimes and 11/75 will do it, but if you have dificulties a jeans neddle is perfect. I use either sticky back stabilizer or spray and only hoop the stabilizer to prevent hoop burn on those kind of materials as suede, corduroy, leather, etc..