Replies

1. 
   zuwena | Nov 12, 2008 05:10am | #1

   H= Universal needle, most woven, medium weight fabrics

   H-S=Stretch fabrics like spandex or lycra

   H-J= Jeans/Denim/Heavy weight fabrics

   H-M=Microtex Sharp (to be distinguished from Metallic needles which usually have a standard or universal point but a larger, elongated eye

   SUK=Ballpoint needle for knits

   LL=Leather

   Needle types are configured/engineered to manage different types of fabrics and/or threads.

   Needle size (e.g. 70, 89, 90) are mainly concerned with the thickness of the thread that will pass through the eye and also the fabric weight (e.g. light weight, medium weight, etc.

   Hope this helps.  Z

    

1. 
   jsassafras | Nov 12, 2008 02:56pm | #2

   If you were usiing an old 3 thread Baby Lock serger (at least 20 years old) on 2 layers light weight commercial sail cloth, whcih needle would you pick?  I realize the thread thickness must match the needle eye.

   thanks

1. 
   ThreadKoe | Nov 13, 2008 12:02am | #3

   Schmetz has a wonderful resource for choosing your needle  http://www.schmetzneedles.com/Schmetz_Sales_Guide.pdf     Cathy

2. 
   Palady | Nov 13, 2008 04:08am | #4

   "Can someone tell me what sewing machine needles go in an old Baby Lock serger? "

   If you choose, you can send an e-mail to the e-address on the following URL.  The staff is very knowledgeable.  They've serviced machines for me and I've purchased needles for my retired BabyLoc serger at the store.  It really is a pleasure to have a so reliable source.

   http://www.neveretts.com/

   me

    

3. 
   Betakin | Nov 15, 2008 09:59am | #5

   Some of the much older Babylock sergers use an industrial type round shank needle and it is important that you use exactly the right needle for your serger. Many of the older sergers also have a little tape type decal with the needle type and size on it stuck inside the looper cover door on the serger..and it might state DC1XF..or DCX1 or BLX2N etc. which is the needle type.

   My old BL took the DCX1F. Being that the shank is round and not flat on the back they were rather hard to insert correctly and distinguish which was front and back. There is a little line on the front of the needle.

   There is a little pamphlet put out about Schmetz needles called The Schmetz Home Sewing Machine Needle ABC that tells the different types of Schmetz needles and what the different types and sizes are used for.