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Needle and thread chooser
Match your fabric and project with published needle, thread and stitch guidance.
What suits quilting cotton?
Use the complete chart below without JavaScript.
| Fabric | Needle type and size | Thread type and weight | Stitch length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiffon | Universal or Microtex 60/8–70/10 | Polyester 60–90 | 1.8–2.5 mm |
| Cotton lawn | Universal 70/10 | Polyester 60–90 | 1.8–2.5 mm |
| Quilting cotton | Universal 80/12–90/14 | Polyester 60–90 or cotton 50–60 | 2.0–3.0 mm |
| Linen | Universal 70/10–90/14 | Polyester 60–90 or cotton 50–60 | 2.0–3.0 mm |
| Jersey knit | Jersey 75/11–80/12 | Polyester 50 | Not published; use the setting for fabric thickness |
| Stretch / Lycra | Stretch 75/11 or 90/14 | Polyester 50 | Not published; use the setting for fabric thickness |
| Denim | Jeans 90/14–100/16 | Polyester 60; 30 for the heavier row | 2.5–4.0 mm |
| Canvas | Jeans 90/14–100/16 | Polyester 60; 30 for the heavier row | 2.5–4.0 mm |
| Leather / vinyl | Thin leather: Leather 70/10–90/14; vinyl: Microtex 60/8–90/14 | Not published for this combined material row | Not published for this combined material row |
| Fleece | Universal 70/10–90/14 or Stretch 75/11–90/14 | Polyester 50 | Not published; use the setting for fabric thickness |
Which sources did we use?
- Schmetz Fabricmaker reference · read 2026-11-04
- Brother Chartmaker reference · read 2026-11-04
- Guetermannmaker reference · read 2026-11-04
- Aurifilmaker reference · read 2026-11-04