needle type for gutermann mara 70

**Kroma** · 07-10-2016, 21:43

since the gutermann mara 70 seems to be what is recommended for most hammock related projects (as it's given away with RbtR orders and it's what Dutch sells) I was wondering about proper needle type for this thread. I've read on several sites that you should match the needle to the thread type and indeed on Gutermann's product detail page for Mara 70 it states "Recommended Needle Size" 90-100/14-16.

Just curious because from my research of these forums and other sites most people seem to recommend a 70/10. I just recently got into sewing and I'm wondering if the problems I'm having is because I'm using a 70/10 with the Mara 70 thread when the manufacturer recommends using a 90/14 or a 100/16. my current problem is uneven, crooked stitches btw...

thoughts on using 90/14's with the Mara 70?

**FJRpilot** · 07-10-2016, 22:04

I would go with the manufacturers suggestions... A 90 metric translates to a 14 Singer (American) size..

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**PapaSmurf** · 07-10-2016, 22:41

Originally Posted by Kroma

I'm wondering if the problems I'm having is because I'm using a 70/10 with the Mara 70 thread when the manufacturer recommends using a 90/14 or a 100/16. my current problem is uneven, crooked stitches btw...

I would recommend a 90/14 with the Mara 70. The thread must easily flow through the hole poked by the needle and using too small a needle can lead to tension problems. Also the saw toothed or crooked stitches you see are likely caused by too small a needle. Basically, two strands of thread must fit through the hole left by the needle. If the two threads won't fit end to end, they shift to the side causing the saw toothed appearance.

**Kroma** · 07-10-2016, 22:57

Yes! That's exactly what I'm seeing...thank you so much...I'm getting some 90/14 asap. Sharp right?

**PapaSmurf** · 07-10-2016, 23:04

Originally Posted by Kroma

Yes! That's exactly what I'm seeing...thank you so much...I'm getting some 90/14 asap. Sharp right?

Yes, sharps or universal will work pretty well.

**PapaSmurf** · 07-10-2016, 23:09

Originally Posted by Kroma

Yes! That's exactly what I'm seeing...thank you so much...I'm getting some 90/14 asap. Sharp right?

The other part of the equation is the fabric. Very thin quilt fabrics don't have much body to them and can cause this same effect. For quilt fabrics, I'd keep the 70/10 needles and use a smaller Mara 100 or "sew-all" thread. For hammock fabrics, you'd be fine with Mara 70 & a 90/14 needle.

**IL_Bow_Man** · 07-11-2016, 09:21

Originally Posted by PapaSmurf

Yes, sharps or universal will work pretty well.

So I often see conflicting information on this. Some say to use ball points and some say other wise.

If I am working on SilPoly, should I be using the 2020's (reg point) or the 2045's (ball point)?

**PapaSmurf** · 07-11-2016, 09:29

Originally Posted by IL_Bow_Man

So I often see conflicting information on this. Some say to use ball points and some say other wise.

I agree. You'll find conflicting info spread throughout HF on this and many other matters. Often bad info just gets passed back and forth until it's accepted as fact.

Here's a quick copy & paste from http://www.singerco.com/sewing-resou...achine-needles

"Regular Point (Style 2020) needles are used for all woven fabrics. This needle will penetrate the fabric threads of woven fabrics.

Ball Point (Style 2045) needles are used for sewing on knits; the rounded tip allows the needle to pass between the fabric threads by separating them."

**IL_Bow_Man** · 07-11-2016, 09:43

And the SilPoly, Nylon and such are all woven, correct?

I think I used ball on my tarp when I made it, but I was a total newbie then. I will be getting ready to make the lady a hammock from Hyper D. Since it is supporting a body...I would like to make sure I am using the correct stuff. lol