Needles and thread: what to buy
The few needle types and threads that cover almost every project, and the ones to leave until later.
Bobbin's checklist
Buy a mixed pack of universal needles and one of jersey needles. That covers most wovens and knits.
Buy a mixed pack of universal needles and one of jersey needles. That covers most wovens and knits.
$Just starting
- Universal machine needles, sizes 70 to 90: Schmetz lists universal needles for most woven fabrics.
- Jersey or ballpoint needles: for T-shirt fabric and other knits.
- General-purpose polyester thread: Gütermann describes Sew-all as 100% polyester for universal sewing, with a universal needle around NM 70 to 90.
- Hand-sewing needles ("sharps"): for buttons and hand finishing.
$$Sewing most weeks
- Microtex needles: clean stitches on fine, tightly woven fabrics.
- Jeans needles: for denim and canvas.
- Twin needle: stretchy, shop-style hems on knits. Check your machine can take one.
- Thread in your favourite colours: match the fabric, or go one shade darker.
$$$Ready to invest
- Specialist threads: topstitching, heavy-duty or cotton threads for specific jobs.
- Overlocker cones: only once you own an overlocker.
Skip for now
- Mystery bargain thread: it sheds lint and snaps.
- Huge multi-colour thread sets: buy colours as projects need them.
Sources
All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.