1810✽
I have sewn for many years but now I am about to make something and I need a litle help. I am going to make a canopy for my picnic table and have bought the material for it. It is for outside use but I don't know what size needle i need.I am using a carpet thread which is a little lighter than a denim thread.Can any of you sewers out there have any advise about the needle size.thanks for any help you can give me.
Comments (9)
7208✽
We need to know about the fabric you are using: Is it a heavy outdoor canvas? How many layers will you be sewing through at the seams or hem? You may be fine with a #14 or #16 sharp needle but may need to step up if you get breakage.
234507✽
Hi "cottonball" I'm with Annie below - I'd use a size 16 needle as if you are going to be sewing a canvas style fabric you need a strong needle. I don't know what carpet thread is, but I'd use a very strong cotton more like a denim thread. Good luck with it all. Love and blessings Chris, Newcastle, Australia.
89895✽
Here is some good information on outdoor fabrics and techniques. I'm interested as I want to make a garden flag and use materials that will hold up outdoors.
http://www.beaconfabric.com/vindex.html?TheInsandOutsofOutdoorFabrics.htm
http://www.beaconfabric.com/vindex.html?TheInsandOutsofOutdoorFabrics.htm
23222✽
I would opt for the denim needle, go slow and lengthen your stitch just a bit until you see how it's going to sew. Be sure to post a picture when you're done :-)
15982✽
41781✽
They use to have a needle that was called denim, duck, canvas. size 18. I used it for all heavy materials. I made canvas blinds for a boats and I make drift bags for boats, I have a older phaff, so I can use the heavy needles. But the new sewing machines you can only use up to a 16, so my baby lock dealer says. nobody even has size 18 anymore. Good Luck!
158718✽
1810✽
by
cottonboll
21 Jan 2014
0✽
thanks to all you cuties for the information you gave because it all helped me. The lady at Jo-ann fabrics who does sewing on the side said your information would have been what she would have given me. I found a company in N.C. that I got the thread from and they gave about the same advice, so we have some pretty bright cuties out there. thanks a bushel
13✽
I made a canopy for our arbor a while back using outdoor fabric, denim thread and a denim needle in my machine. Worked great and held together beautifully. Good luck.