what size sewing machine needle to use for satin

A Microtex needle is recommended for your silk fabrics, polyester microfiber, sequin fabric, satin, nylon, polyester, poplin, organza, taffeta but also coated materials and even metallic foils.

For the best results, you should use a regular machine with even tension. The needle is not retractable so it will protrude from the point when sewing through thick materials like velvet or leather. For this reason, we recommend using a good quality sewing machine with a heavy-duty motor to sew through these materials without breaking your needle.

Microtex needles:

This category of the needle has a fine tip that will puncture very fine or very dense materials so as not to damage or damage them. It also makes it possible to make perfect stitches for sewing edges that require great precision. A Microtex needle is recommended for your silk fabrics, polyester microfiber, sequin fabric, satin, nylon, polyester, poplin, organza, taffeta but also coated materials and even metallic foils.

• Size 60 to 80: for fine to medium fabrics 
• Size 90: for medium to thick fabrics

Microtex needles are often offered in boxes made up of different sizes.

What is satin made of?

I always thought of satin as a type of fabric, like cotton and silk. I now know that it is a fabric made from silk cotton fibers and even synthetic materials like polyester and acetate, woven in a particular way that creates a silky smooth texture. Satin fabric was once made only from silk fibers, but not anymore. The addition of synthetic fibers like nylon has made satin much more affordable, including for pockets like mine.

Basically speaking, satin gets its shine from how it weaves the fibers together rather than from the fibers themselves. The satin weave has minimal interlocking between its fibers which creates its famous softness and shine.

What are the different types of satin?

There are many different types of satin or satin fabrics available on the market.

Charmeuse: Light satin that drapes very well. It is very sticky and has a shine to it.

It is a French word meaning “French silk.” It is also known as an Italian silk or Japanese silk because of its popularity in the fashion industry. The fabric is typically made from mulberry silk, which can be purchased at most craft stores and online retailers.

Duchess lamour satin: A heavy, stiff satin with little sheen. It is used in the manufacture of bridal gowns. The rough texture of this fabric allows it to be easily cut and sewn, making it a popular choice for brides. The weight of the Duchess satin makes it ideal for heavier fabrics such as velvet and taffeta, which can be difficult to sew without puckering or tearing.

Satin crepe: It is a fabric with a silky touch like satin on one side and with the granular and more nuanced appearance of crepe on the other side, so it can be used on either side or combined. Widely used for dresses, pants, skirts, or even to line shoes and wedding bags.

Satin Crepe is very popular for its delicate feel and smooth surface. The fabric is suitable for all occasions from formal to casual. The fabric can be used in high quality fabrics such as lace, organza, chiffon and cotton as well as silk. In addition to this Satin Crepe offers great design possibilities that are ideal for creating stylish dresses or clothing items.

Hammered Satin: A medium-weight satin texture embossed with a satin texture pattern on one side and a rougher side. Ideal for evening and party dresses.

It has an elegant drape and is a great choice for evening wear.

Hammered Satin is also a great choice for wedding dresses, prom dresses, bridesmaids dresses and more!

Messaline: A lightweight satin fabric.

Panne Satin:   A very shiny stiff satin depending on the orientation of the fibers.

Ribbed satin: It is widely used to make blouses and tops.

Slipper:  Lightweight satin with cotton reverse.

What are the characteristics of satin?

The most important characteristic of satin is its ultra softness. The fabric is opaque on the reverse.

In general, satin is draped, that is, it has a series of folds on the bias that favor the drape of the fabric, but not all satin fabric is draped. There is also very stiff satin, so when shopping for fabric online, check the draping ability of the particular satin you are buying. The softness can also differ. If you’re making a dress, get a sample and compare the softness and drape before you buy.

Water staining is a characteristic of satin fabric. Therefore, if you use the fabric to sew dresses in the summer, you should be prepared for some spots where you sweat, especially in the underarm area.

The cutting edges of the fabric wear a lot.

The surface is prone to snagging, so it is difficult to keep the satin smooth and soft surface, so you can say it is very high maintenance.