The history of Schmetz can be traced back to 1851, when the Schmetz Needle Factory was founded.
With over 170 years of experience, Schmetz has developed into a leading global provider of needle systems for the processing of textile products.
With so much experience under its belt, Schmetz are always there to help us ‘produce the perfect seam’, but with so much choice, it can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t have 170 years of experience!
But we are here to help, with our
Guide to Schmetz Sewing Machine Needles.
Before we get into the options of Sewing Needles on offer, lets have a quick look at some helpful information on the Schmetz range.
Needle Anatomy
A machine needle is made up of, a shank, butt, blade, groove, eye, point, tip and scarf.
It also has coloured bands for identification.
The top part of a sewing machine needle (the part that is inserted into the sewing machine’s needle bar), is known as the shank. Household sewing machine needles by Schmetz have a flat shank, which helps ensure the needle is in the right position and cannot be inserted incorrectly.
The butt of a Schmetz machine needle is also bevelled, making it easier to insert the needle into the needle bar.
The colour marking lets you know the Needle Type and Needle Size.
Scroll down for more information on Colour Marking.
The long groove protects the thread, ensuring that it does not get damaged when sewing.
The scarfs creates more space for the hook so that the loop is easier to catch to form the stitch.
The thread is inserted through the eye of the needle.
Keep reading for more information on the various Schmetz eye variants.
The shape of the needle point and tip varies depending on the needle type.
Scroll down for more information on the Needle Point Shape.
The needle size is defined by the NM number, which relates to the diameter of the needle blade, multiplied by 100. Therefore if the blade diameter is 0.75mm the corresponding size is NM 75.
Did you know NM stands for Number Metrics, which is the metric sizing standard.
The SIZE number was originally created by Singer, and is considered the Imperial sizing standard.
(I have googled it, and no-one seems to know what the numbers actually mean).
The Needle Size label typically consists of both numbers;
75/11
The first number is the NM (metric) size, and the second number is the Imperial size.
Colour Marking
The coloured bands found on the Schmetz Machine Needles refer to the Needle Type and Needle Size.
The colour marking can be found on the shoulder of the Schmetz household sewing machine needle. The first colour identifies the Needle Type, while the second colour identifies the Needle Size.
Although the needle size is imprinted on the shank of the needle, it is very small and can be difficult to read.
The Schmetz Universal Machine Needle does not feature a coloured band for the type. These needles are only identified by their size.
The Schmetz Quick Threading Needle does not feature a coloured band for the type. This needle can be identified by the small slot on the side of the eye. These needles are only identified by their size.
Needle Eye Shape
As we look into each Needle Type in more detail, you will see information regarding the size/shape of the needle eye. Here you can see a comparison of the Schmetz variants.
Needle Point Shape
The shape of the needle point and tip varies depending on the needle type. This ensures the needle is suitable for the material in question. Not all sewing needles are sharp, and the different point shapes are used for different applications.
Slightly Rounded Point
The slightly rounded point is the common point shape for household sewing machine needles. This point shape is qualified for trouble-free sewing on most materials and many applications.
This point shape is used on the following needles;
– Universal Needle
– Super Universal Needle
– Topstitch Needle
– Metallic Needle
– Double Eye Needle
– Quick Threading Needle
Slim, slightly rounded point
This point with slim taper to the slightly rounded point allows a particularly smooth stitch into sensitive fabrics, avoiding material damage.
This point shape is used on the following needles;
– Quilting Needle
– Black Super Fine Needle
Acute Point
The acute point is qualified for accurate piercing of woven materials. It creates an exact seam appearance with straight stitches.
This point shapes is used on the following needles;
– Longarm Quilting Needle
Slim, acute point
This point with slim taper to the acute point is suitable for accurate piercing of densely woven and coated materials. It creates an exact seam appearance with straight stitches and helps to reduce seam puckering.
This point shape is used on the following needles;
– Microtex Needle
Medium Ball Point
The medium ball point displaces fabric threads and loops, preventing material damage. It is used in knitwear and materials with elastane. It is also very suitable for denim and embroidery.
This point shape is used on the following needles;
– Stretch Needle
– Super Stretch Needle
– Black Super Stretch Needle
– Jersey Needle
– Jeans Needle
– Gold Jeans Needle
– Embroidery Needle
– Gold Embroidery Needle
Twist Point (cut)
The twist point (LL) is a cutting point with a lens-shaped cross-section, which cuts at an angle. This creates a decorative angular stitch, suitable for use on leather, and leather-type materials. (Image below shows a comparison between Twist Point cut and Half Triangular Point Cut).
This point shape is used on the following needles;
– Leather Needle (LL)
Half Triangular Point (cut)
The half triangular point (DH) is a cutting point with a triangular cross-section. This creates a straight stitch, suitable for use on leather, and leather-type materials. (Image below shows a comparison between Twist Point cut and Half Triangular Point Cut).
This point shape is used on the following needles;
– Leather Needle (DH)
The image here shows a comparison between;
Twist Point cut (left), as found on the Leather Needles (LL)
Half Triangular Point cut (right), as found on the Leather Needles (DH).
Needle Coating
Schmetz use three kinds of coatings on their household sewing machine needles;
Chrome is the new standard coating of Schmetz household needles.
The Gold-coloured coating provides wear protection for extra endurance. It is ideal for sewing-intensive projects or heavy projects. It is suitable for beginners, as small operate errors are compensated for by the particularly hard coating.
The Black coating provides an anti-stick finish, which is recommended for when you sew sensitive fabrics or use sticky materials.
Needle Packaging
Every packet of Schmetz needles contains all the information about the respective needle. The box lists the needle designation, the needle system, and the needle size in NM/SIZE.
The clear packaging also allows you to see the colour marking on the needle.
The needle packaging is also designed to protect the needle, including the point until it is used in the sewing machine.
Schmetz Sewing Machine Needle Range
Click here for twin Needle range
Universal Twin
Universal Extra Wide Twin
Stretch Twin
Jeans Twin
Universal Needles
Needle System
130/705 H
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Slightly rounded point
Colour
Needle Size only
More Details
Schmetz Universal Machine Needles are suitable for a wide range of fabrics, including jersey and synthetics. Featuring a slight rounded point, it can be used on brocade, fleece, batiste, organza, taffeta, chenille, nylon and linen.
Available in Sizes 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120
View Product: Schmetz Universal Needles – Pack of 5
View Product: Schmetz Universal Needles – Pack of 10
Super Universal Needles
Needle System
130/705 H-SU
Coating
Non-Stick
Point Shape
Slightly rounded point
Colour
None
More Details
Schmetz Super Universal Machine Needles, feature a non-stick coating making it particularly suitable for sewing self-adhesive elements. The needle eye and long groove do not become clogged with adhesive backing, preventing needle sticking.
Available in Sizes 70, 80, 90, 100
View Product: Schmetz Super Universal Needles – Pack of 5
Universal Twin Needle
Needle System
130/705 H ZWI
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Slightly rounded point
Colour
NA
More Details
Schmetz Universal Twin Needle allows you to sew decorative stitches for your seam. Sew parallel stitches on a conventional household sewing machine with ease. The slightly rounded point makes this needle suitable for a wide range of fabrics.
Available in Sizes 70 x 1.6, 80 x 2.0, 80 x 2.5, 80 x 4.0
The Universal Twin Needle can be used on conventional household sewing machines that have a zig-zag function. If your machine has ‘Twin Mode’ (or similar), it is recommended to use this to limit the stitch width. This prevents the needle from accidentally hitting the needle plate and breaking.
A separate spool of thread is required for each needle. You can use the same colour, or different colours in each needle. Guide the two threads through your machines system, then separate before threading through each eye.
View Product: Schmetz Universal Double Machine Needle
Typically sold as one twin needle per pack. Twin packs available.
Universal Extra Wide Twin Needles
Needle System
130/705 H ZWI BR
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Slightly Rounded Point
Colour
NA
More Details
Schmetz Extra Wide Universal Twin Machine Needle is ideal for fixing elastic on trousers/skirts waistband. Sew parallel stitches on a conventional household sewing machine with ease, on a wide range of fabrics.
The Universal Extra Wide Twin Needle can be used on conventional household sewing machines that have a zig-zag function, and a needle plate and sewing foot with recesses of at least 6-8mm in width. If your machine has ‘Twin Mode’ (or similar), it is recommended to use this to limit the stitch width. This prevents the needle from accidentally hitting the needle plate and breaking.
A separate spool of thread is required for each needle. You can use the same colour, or different colours in each needle. Guide the two threads through your machines system, then separate before threading through each eye.
Available in Sizes 100 x 6.0, 100 x 8.0
View Product: Schmetz Universal Double MC Needle – Extra Wide
Jersey Needles
Needle System
130/705 H SUK
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Medium Ball Point
Colour
Orange
More Details
Schmetz Jersey Machine Needles are suitable for cotton knitwear, knitted fabrics, jersey and tulle. The medium ball point displaces the loops and prevents material damage. The needle size should be adapted to the material.
The Schmetz Jersey Machine Needles are best suited for knitted fabrics. For highly elastic fabrics, we would recommend the Stretch or Super Stretch Machine Needles.
Available in Sizes 70, 80, 90, 100
View Product: Schmetz Jersey Machine Needles – Pack of 5
Stretch Needles
Needle System
130/705 H-S
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Medium Ball Point
Colour
Yellow
More Details
Schmetz Stretch Machine Needles are suitable for elastic fabrics, like swimwear, cotton knitwear or velour cloth. The shank is flatter than on other needles, meaning the needle is closer to the hook, which helps to avoid skipped stitches.
The Schmetz Stretch Machine Needles are best suited for elastic or highly elastic knitted fabrics. When using thicker threads, we would recommend the Super Stretch Machine Needles.
Available in Sizes 75 & 90
View Product: Schmetz Stretch Machine Needles – Pack of 5
Super Stretch Needles
Needle System
HAx1 SP
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Medium Ball Point
Colour
White
More Details
Schmetz Super Stretch Machine Needles are suitable for use with thicker threads for sewing lingerie or highly elastic fabrics. Designed to avoid skipped stitches, while creating less pull on the threads, the medium ball point prevents material damage.
The Schmetz Super Stretch Machine Needles are best suited for elastic or highly elastic knitted fabrics, when using thicker threads.
Available in Sizes 75 & 90
View Product: Schmetz Super Stretch Machine Needles – Pack of 5
Stretch Twin Needle
Needle System
130/705 H-S ZWI
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Medium Ball Point
Colour
NA
More Details
Schmetz Stretch Twin Machine Needle is suitable for hemming t-shirts to create stretchy seams and give them a professional look. Sew parallel stitches with ease, on knitted fabrics, jersey, velour, cotton knit and swimwear fabrics.
The Schmetz Stretch Twin Machine Needle can be used on conventional household sewing machines that have a zig-zag function. The needle plate and sewing foot much have a recess large enough for the selected needle width. If your machine has ‘Twin Mode’ (or similar), it is recommended to use this to limit the stitch width. This prevents the needle from accidentally hitting the needle plate and breaking.
A separate spool of thread is required for each needle. You can use the same colour, or different colours in each needle. Guide the two threads through your machines system, then separate before threading through each eye.
Available in Sizes 75 x 2.5, 75 x 4.0
View Product: Schmetz Stretch Double Machine Needle
Jeans Needles
Needle System
130/705 H-J
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Medium Ball Point
Colour
Blue
More Details
Schmetz Jeans Machine Needles are suitable for use with strong, thick fabrics, like Jeans, Twill or Canvas. The medium ball point displaces the fabric to prevent damage. The needle requires lower force, resulting in less needle breakage.
The Schmetz Jeans Machine Needle is particularly suitable for pocket seams as it can even handle thick seams.
Available in Sizes 70, 80, 90, 100, 110
View Product: Schmetz Jeans Machine Needles – Pack of 5
Jeans Twin Needles
Needle System
130/705 H-J ZWI
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Medium Ball Point
Colour
N/A
More Details
Schmetz Jeans Twin Machine Needle is suitable for creating the double seam found on side seams, yokes, belt loops and pockets. Create authentic and professional looking seams on your jeans and other denim items.
The Schmetz Jeans Twin Machine Needle can be used on conventional household sewing machines that have a zig-zag function. The needle plate and sewing foot much have a recess large enough for the selected needle width. If your machine has ‘Twin Mode’ (or similar), it is recommended to use this to limit the stitch width. This prevents the needle from accidentally hitting the needle plate and breaking.
A separate spool of thread is required for each needle. You can use the same colour, or different colours in each needle. Guide the two threads through your machines system, then separate before threading through each eye.
Available in Sizes 100 x 4.0
View Product: Schmetz Jeans Double Machine Needle
Microtex Needles
Needle System
130/705 H-M
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Slim acute point
Colour
Purple
More Details
Schmetz Microtex Machine Needles, feature a special point for accurate stitches in fine or densely woven materials. Suitable for use with silk and microfibre fabric, lining taffeta, lame or coated materials, creating particularly precise stitches.
Acute Point Needles are more sensitive than rounded or ball points; therefore you should check the needle for damage more frequently and replace it in good time.
Available in Sizes 60, 70, 80, 90
View Product: Schmetz Microtex Machine Needles – Pack of 5
Leather (LL) Needles
Needle System
130/705 H LL
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Cutting point LL (twist)
Colour
Brown
More Details
Schmetz Leather Machine Needles are suitable for use with leather, some synthetic leathers, or even paper binding. The twist cutting point cuts easily through leather, creating an angled hole which gives a decorative look to the seam.
The Schmetz Leather Machine Needles are NOT suitable for textiles due to their cutting effect. Woven or knitted fabrics can be severed during sewing.
Choose a longer stitch length to stop the stitches being torn out.
The Twist Point (LL) Leather Needles are suitable for use with Leather, and Hard Synthetic Leather. For Soft Synthetic Leather we would recommend the Microtex Needle first.
Available in Sizes 80, 90, 100, 110, 120
View Product: Schmetz Leather (LL) Machine Needles – Pack of 5
Leather (DH) Needles
Needle System
130/705 H DH
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Half Triangular Cut Point
Colour
Brown
More Details
Schmetz Leather Machine Needles are suitable for use with leather, hard synthetic leathers, and paper binding. The half triangular cut point cuts easily through the material, and creates a straight stitching line, for a more accurate finish.
The Schmetz Leather Machine Needles are NOT suitable for textiles due to their cutting effect. Woven or knitted fabrics can be severed during sewing.
Choose a longer stitch length to stop the stitches being torn out.
The Half Triangular Cut Point (DH) Leather Needles are suitable for use with Leather, Hard Synthetic Leather and SOME soft Synthetic Leathers. We we would recommend the Microtex Needle first.
Available in Sizes 100
View Product: Currently unavailable in our store
Comparison of Leather Needle Shapes
On the left is the Twist Cut as found on the Leather (LL) Needles
On the right is the Half Triangular Point as found on Leather (DH) Needles
Quilting Needles
Needle System
130/705 H-Q
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Slightly rounded point, slim
Colour
Green
More Details
Schmetz Quilting Machine Needles feature a slim point suitable for sewing through three layers of a quilt without causing damage. It is suitable for cotton fabrics for patchwork, topstitching and quilt work.
The Quilting Needle gets its name because it is mainly used in quilting for patchwork and topstitching work. The design has been optimised to prevent needle breakage and skipped stitches.
When working with multiple or thicker threads, we would recommend the Topstitch Needle.
Available in Sizes 75 & 90
View Product: Schmetz Quilting Machine Needles – Pack of 5
Topstitch Needles
Needle System
130 N
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Slightly rounded point
Colour
Light Green
More Details
Schmetz Topstitch Machine Needles are suitable for multi-directional quilting with thick threads on a wide range of fabrics. The long eye allows the thread to glide effortlessly, creating fewer skipped stitches, even with thicker threads.
The Schmetz Topstitch Machine Needle has a much longer eye, than that of the Embroidery Needle. It is ideal for decorative stitches or freehand embroidery, with household sewing machines. Can also be used for embroidery with embroidery machines.
Available in Sizes 80, 90, 100
View Product: Schmetz Top Stitch Machine Needles – Pack of 5
Metallic Needles
Needle System
130 MET
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Slightly rounded point
Colour
Dusky Pink
More Details
Schmetz Metallic Machine Needles are specifically developed for use with metal effect threads. The longer needle eye allows metallic thread to glide gently through the needle. This helps to prevent thread breakages when processed slowly.
The Schmetz Metallic Machine Needles feature an extra long eye, allowing metallic sewing and embroidery threads to glide effortlessly through the needle. A longer stitch length improves the shine of metallic threads, while sewing more slowly will help prevent thread breakage.
See our range of Gutermann Metallic and Specialist threads.
Available in Sizes 80, 90
View Product: Schmetz Metallic Machine Needles – Pack of 5
Embroidery Needles
Needle System
130/705 H-E
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Medium Ball Point
Colour
Red
More Details
Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needles are suitable for sewing decorative stitches with household sewing or embroidery machines. The larger eye allows for thicker, or embroidery yarns, while the Medium Ball Point prevents damage.
The Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needle has an extra wide eye to ensure sewing and embroidery threads glide effortlessly through the needle, without tearing.
Suitable for use with thicker threads or effect threads, on conventional household sewing machines.
Available in Sizes 75, 90
View Product: Schmetz Embroidery Machine Needle – Pack of 5
Embroidery Gold Needles
Needle System
130/705 H-ET
Coating
Wear Protection
Point Shape
Medium Ball Point
Colour
None (gold surface)
More Details
Schmetz Gold Embroidery Machine Needles are particularly suitable for beginners, as minor operator errors are compensated by the hard coating. Achieve uniform stitch patterns even with special embroidery programs.
All the benefits of the Embroidery Needle, with the added benefit of extra wear protection with the hard coating.
Available in Sizes 75, 90
View Product: Schmetz Embroider Gold Needles – Pack of 5
Quick Threading Needles
Needle System
130/705 H
Coating
Standard
Point Shape
Slightly rounded point
Colour
Needle Size only
More Details
Schmetz Quick Threading Needles, feature a small slot on the side of the needle for ease of threading. While the needle makes threading easy, it is not suitable for working with thin or fine materials.
Click the image above, to see a detailed view.
Use the Quick Threading Needle as an alternative when your sewing machine does not have a needle threader.
Do not use the Quick Threading Needle when working with thin or fine materials.
Not suitable for use with sewing machines with an oscillating hook (CB hook) as the thread can slide out of the slot due to the unique movement pattern of this type of hook.
Available in Sizes 80, 90
View Product: Schmetz Quick Threading Machine Needles – Pack of 5
Hopefully our little guide has helped you navigate your way around the Schmetz Sewing Machine Needles range.
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Happy Sewing!
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