What needle size LSZ-1 for sunbrella

[Hermit Scott]

I am trying to order a sailrite machine, it comes with 100 needles but they want me to specify what size needle.
What do you guys/gals use for sunbrella? Do you use a different size needle for sails?

 

[COOL]

Needle size is linked to the thread weight, which will vary depending on the cloth
being sewn. On deck canvas should be sewn with 138 thread which will require
a 130/21 needle. Sails can be sewn with 46, 69, or 92 thread depending on
the sail fabric.

 

[Ross]

When you thread a needle it should slide down the thread when you hold one end vertical.

 

[svenusa]

one of the pages of the sailrite catalog gives the needle size/thread diameter chart..

 

[BLIGHT]

Check page 187 & 188 of Sailrite 2010 catalog for suggested neddle size using the Industrial Machine Needles chart.

 

[Hermit Scott]

I didn't realize the needle was dependent on the thread. I thought the fabric dictated needle size and type. I bought 8 oz. of polyester thread, the thickest available but I left it on the boat so I don't know what it is. I tried reading some older threads here. I selected size 18, I am sure I will need different sizes though. When the machine gets here I will start practicing and doing more research. I was reading old posts and ran across a post from 14 months ago. I was saying that I would have a sailrite machine in a week. lol Everything takes longer than I think. But at least it's happening.

 

[Ross]

Get some old jeans or upholstery fabric and make a bunch of tote bags for sewing practice before you start anything important. make some winch covers and some tool rolls for the tools you keep on board. Then you will have gained enough experience to start on something that everybody will see and you don't want to apologize about. get a book on boat canvas.