When Sewing Vinyl, Should I Use A Denim Or Microtex Needle?

When sewing vinyl, it is recommended to use a leather, denim, or topstitch needle. These needles are designed to penetrate thick and heavy fabrics, making them ideal for sewing vinyl. Denim or jeans needles can also be used for sewing vinyl, especially if the material resembles denim in texture. Leather needles (size 90/14 or 100/16) are designed for this purpose. A sharp point needle like a Schmetz Microtex needle (size 80/12) works well for most standard threads. Topstitch needles can help prevent skipped stitches and increase stitch length.

Vinyl fabric puts more stress on the needle than lightweight cotton, so choose a heavier needle. A denim, leather needle, or number 90 will do the trick. Lower your needle tension if needed. Before starting your next project, prep your sewing machine with a leather or denim needle size. If you’re getting skipped stitches, try a micro sharp needle. Use a rotary cutter if you’re not going to sew something to the vinyl, and a strong, 100 polyester thread is great for sewing clear vinyl. Use tissue paper under the vinyl to help feed it through the machine bed if needed.

Sharp needles can be used on all wovens and dense fabrics such as leather, vinyl, canvas, etc. Superior’s titanium-coated needles can be used in various sizes. A 14/90 Microtex needle often sews better than any of the others. For denim or jeans needles, use a Microtex or sharp needle with synthetic leather. Universal needles are generally suitable for sewing through vinyl, but a wedge point is recommended for heavier weights. Always use a new needle to avoid breaking.