Pattern sheet for home sewists
Match the needle to the fabric, then the machine to the work
Pick your fabric and get the needle and thread to use. Check which hoop a design fits. Then choose a machine by what your projects actually ask of it.
Pattern contents
- 1Needle and thread finderPick a fabric or a task and its weight. Get the needle type, the size range and the thread that pairs with it.
- 2Embroidery hoop size guideEnter a design's width and height. See the smallest common hoop whose stitch field fits it and which machines take that hoop.
- 37 machine types, pieces A to G
1Find your needle and thread
Open the full needle and thread finder →5/8 in seam allowance
Piece 1 · cut 1
Use this needle
Universal 80/12 to 90/14
Thread
All-purpose 50 wt polyester
Home machines use system 130/705H needles. Some sergers and coverstitch machines need ELx705 or another system, so check the manual. See the full chart
Pick a machine type
Each piece is one kind of machine or one part of the work, with what to look for and the guides that go with it.
- 5/8 in seam allowanceASewing machinesChoosing a home sewing machine for garments, home decor and first projects, from mechanical to computerized.Needle system: 130/705H on household machinesCut 1 · 6 notes · 8 guides
- 5/8 in seam allowanceBEmbroidery machinesSingle-needle and multi-needle embroidery machines for hobby use, monograms and a small embroidery shop.Common hobby fields: 4x4 in (100 x 100 mm) and 5x7 in (130 x 180 mm)Cut 1 · 13 notes · 6 guides
- 5/8 in seam allowanceCSergers and coverstitchSergers, overlockers and coverstitch machines for clean seams, knits and professional-looking hems.Common serger setups: 2, 3 or 4 threads, some 5Cut 1 · 6 notes · 3 guides
- 5/8 in seam allowanceDQuilting machinesMachines, throat space, tables and cutters for piecing and quilting bigger projects at home.Throat space, standard machine: about 6 to 7 inCut 1 · 5 notes · 4 guides
- 5/8 in seam allowanceEHeavy duty and specialtyMachines for denim, leather, canvas and upholstery, plus industrial straight-stitch machines for home studios.Denim and canvas needle: Jeans 90/14 to 110/18Cut 1 · 3 notes · 3 guides
- 5/8 in seam allowanceFNeedles, thread and hoopsReference charts for needle sizes, thread weights, stabilizers, hoop sizes and file formats.Needle sizes: 60/8 fine to 110/18 heavyCut 1 · 10 notes · 0 guides
- 5/8 in seam allowanceGFixes and careWhy stitches skip, thread nests and needles break, and how to clean, oil and service your machine.First fix: new needle, rethread with the presser foot upCut 1 · 14 notes · 0 guides
Machine guides
Narrow guides to one kind of machine, compared by what the listings state.
- Best Singer sewing machines by job, from Heavy Duty to Quantum StylistSinger Heavy Duty, Quantum Stylist, C-series and SE9180 compared by stitch applications, buttonholes, motor speed and included feet from each listing.
- Best sewing tables and cabinets for quiltingEight sewing tables and cabinets for quilting compared on lift type, machine weight limit, flush insert support, quilt leaf and listed dimensions.
- Best sewing machines under $500 and what each price step addsSeven sewing machines under $500 from Bernette, Juki, Janome and SINGER compared on stitch count, frame, feed system and what each price step adds.
- Best sewing machines for quilting, from piecing to queen quiltsQuilting machines compared by throat space, speed, extension table, feed system and quilting extras, based only on what each Amazon listing states.
- Best sewing machines for making clothes and garmentsGarment sewing machines compared by buttonhole styles, stretch stitches, free arm, feed system and stitch width, using only what each listing states.
- Best sewing machines for beginners, from about $150 upSeven starter sewing machines compared by stitch count, buttonhole type, needle threader, bobbin system and feed dogs, using only listing facts.
Machine comparisons
Two machines side by side, with a plain verdict on who each one suits.
- Single-needle vs multi-needle embroidery machinesSingle-needle vs multi-needle embroidery machines: color changes, caps, speed and price, and the point where a hobby machine starts holding a small business back.Comparison
- Singer 4423 vs 4452: which Heavy Duty to buySinger Heavy Duty 4423 vs 4452: stitch count, accessories, extension table and extra feet compared from the listings, for denim, canvas and everyday sewing.Comparison
- Serger vs sewing machine: what each one doesSerger vs sewing machine (overlocker): which seams need a serger, which jobs only a sewing machine can do, and why most sewists end up owning both machines.Comparison
- Serger vs coverstitch machineSerger vs coverstitch machine: a serger trims and finishes seams, a coverstitch hems knits. Learn the difference, combo machines and which to buy first.Comparison
- Serger needles vs regular sewing machine needlesSerger needles vs regular needles: many home sergers take standard 130/705H needles, some specify ELx705. Plus serger thread vs sewing thread.Comparison
- Quilting machine vs sewing machineQuilting machine vs sewing machine: throat space, straight stitch focus, feed control and extras. See when a regular machine is enough for quilts.Comparison
How-tos and explainers
- What you need to start machine embroideryThe starter list for machine embroidery beyond the machine: stabilizers, thread, bobbins, needles, scissors, designs and software, plus what you can skip at first.
- What size needle for machine quiltingWhat size needle for machine quilting: the needle size and type for piecing, walking foot and free-motion quilting, matched to thread weight and batting.
- What is a serger and what can it doA serger trims, stitches and overcasts a seam edge in one pass. See what a serger can do, how it differs from a sewing machine, and whether you should buy one.
- Sewing machine presser feet chart: shank types and which feet to addA sewing machine presser feet chart covering low, high and slant shanks, snap-on versus screw-on feet, and what each common foot does and when to use it.
- Sewing machine needle size chart by fabricA sewing machine needle size chart by fabric weight: which needle type and size to use for knits, denim, quilting and more, plus the thread to pair with each.
- Sewing machine bobbin size chartA sewing machine bobbin size chart comparing Class 15, Class 66, L and M bobbins by size and machine type, plus how to tell which bobbin your machine takes.
Fixes for common machine trouble
Charts and calculators
Reference tools that do the working out for you.
How throat space is measured
The room to the right of the needle decides how big a quilt or project you can turn under the arm.
- Standard home machine
- about 6 to 7 in
- Larger quilting machine
- about 8 to 12 in
- Longarm on a frame
- about 18 in or more