Needles are often sized according to two systems: Imperial and Metric. Usually both numbers are marked on the packaging with the Imperial number often given first. At least one numbering system is used to mark the needle shank. Use the chart as a reference when converting from one system to the other. IMPERIAL SIZE METRIC SIZE 9 65 11 75 12 80 14 90 16 100 18 110

NEEDLE TYPES
Yesterday's basic rules for selecting a sewing machine needle still hold true, i.e. Ballpoint for knits and Universal point for both woven and knits. However, today's options include needles for specific types of fabrics, for specialised techniques and for use with metallic threads.

BALLPOINT:
The rounded tip slips between yarns rather than piercing them to eliminate damage in knit fabrics. Use this needle when working on course knits and other fabrics that tend to run if snagged.

UNIVERSAL:
Most woven and knit fabrics can be sewn with a universal-point needle. The point is slightly rounded for use with knit fabrics, yet sharp enough to pierce woven fabrics.

DENIM / JEANS:
For stitching denim, heavy imitation leather or other densely woven fabrics. It's also suitable for stitching through multiple fabric layers. The extra sharp point and stiff shank can pierce through the weave with less likelihood of breaking.

LEATHER:
Shaped like a wedge at the point this needle gives superior piercing power for unyielding fabric such as real leather, suede or heavy vinyl. It makes a clean, large hole as it enters the fabric. Synthetic leather and suede can and should be sewn with standard needles. A leather needle leaves unnecessarily large holes and weakens seams.

MACHINE EMBROIDERY
(Blue Tipped) Janome Specific: This needle's specially designed scarf and large eye prevent shredding and breakage when sewing dense embroidery designs with rayon, acrylic and other machine embroidery threads. These are available in size 11/75 only.

METALLIC
(Red Tipped) Janome Specific: Constructed specifically for use with metallic threads, these needles feature a fine shaft and sharp point to eliminate thread breakage, an elongated eye to accommodate the thread and make threading easier. They also have a large groove to prevent the delicate threads from shredding and a specially designed scarf to prevent skipped stitches. These are available in size 14 / 90 only.

TOPSTITCH:
Topstitch needles have an extra sharp point, an extra-large eye and a larger groove to accommodate topstitching thread or two strands of all-purpose thread.

QUILTING:
The point is tapered to successfully sew through thick layers and crossed seams when piecing a quilt and machine quilting layers together. They prevent damage to sensitive, expensive materials used in quilting.

WING / HEMSTITCH:
The sides of this needle's shank are flared and look like wings. It's used to create decorative openwork stitching on lightly woven fabrics such as linen and fine batiste.

TWIN NEEDLE:
Twin needles are constructed with two shafts on a crossbar that extends from a single shank. They are ideal to use for heirloom and decorative stitching and anywhere else that may require multiple, uniform stitching rows. Sizing for twin needles is slightly different than other speciality needles. Two numbers are listed on the packaging; the first number represents the distance between the needles and the second number is the metric needle size. Janome has four twin needle types available - 2mm, 4mm, 6mm, and 4mm for stretch fabrics.