I've tried googling but I just want a simple answer but all the sites are just confusing me!

What do different machine size needles do? (I don't even know if they're the same worldwide.)

I got a really old machine from my Mum and it still goes like a dream but I'm really only using it for sewing card and paper. I've got some size 80 needles .. would this be my best bet or is there a better size?

Step 1:
Know that most readily available machine needles are sized from 9 to 18 - the smaller the number, the smaller the needle. This remains true, even if the needles you purchase use a different numbering system.

Step 2:
Use standard sharp sewing machine needles in sizes 11 to 14 for most sewing projects. A smaller-sized needle is best for sheer or lightweight fabrics. Sizes 16 to 18 are used for heavyweight fabrics like denim.

Step 3:
Use ball-point machine needles to sew knits or other stretchy fabrics. Their blunt edges allow the thread to pass between the fabric's fibers rather than through them. This is crucial for maintaining the fabric's elasticity.

Step 4:
Use wedge-point machine needles to sew leathers, suedes and vinyls. The shape of this needle will create a slit (rather than a large hole) through which the thread will pass.

Step 5:
Change your needle at the start of each project. A worn or damaged needle will cause skipped or uneven stitches and may damage your fabric.

Step 6:
Purchase a package of assorted needle sizes if you are unsure which is appropriate for your fabric.

Step 7:
Test the various sizes on some scrap fabric until you determine the correct size to use.

Step 8:
Check the label on the needle package before you make a purchase. For most brands, there will be a sizing guide that will tell you which fabrics can be sewn with the enclosed needles.

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I've got some size 80 needles

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most readily available machine needles are sized from 9 to 18

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Methinks someone has confused her needles with her crowbars!

lol - they are 80 and it seemed to be the smaller size - there was also 90 and 100. So it must be different for different countries.

I even tried Googling for sewing machine needles in Australia and still came up with the same sort of sizes mentioned above, ie 9 to 18.

There are two systems for sizing needles. The European system is numbered from 60 to 120, based on the diameter of the needle. A size 60 needle is 0.6 mm in diameter and a 100 is 1 mm in diameter.

The American system is numbered from 8 to 21. A 60 corresponds to an 8, a 100 corresponds to a 16.

The smaller the number, the finer the needle. Most packages have both numbers on them.

A size 60 is used for delicate fabrics like those used for lingerie. 70 and 75 are used for light to medium weight fabrics, like gingham, cottons and lycra. 80 is used for medium to heavy weight fabrics like drill. 90 is used for fabrics like denim. Larger sizes are used for fabrics like canvas.

The type of tip on the needle is also important. There are three basic types - sharp, universal and ballpoint. Sharps are used for woven fabrics. Ballpoints are used for knits (the rounded tip allows the needle to pass between the threads instead of penetrating them). Universals are used for all-purpose sewing and can be used with almost all fabrics - but you do get better results if you use ballpoints or sharps.

Bernina makes a lovely blue teflon-coated needle that is fabulous for sewing swimwear; regular needles will stick to the rubber swimwear elastic, causing skipped stitches. The teflon needles don't stick to the rubber.

You can also purchase special purpose needles for sewing denim, leather and doing top-stitching on items like jeans.

That's great - thanks for that info, MG. It's just paper I'm doing and I know that it blunts the needles very quick so I just went for cheapies at BigW - no extra info at all except that it was size 80.

So many things are all different from country to country so I wonder if anything is ever going to be globalised or will no-one want to give up 'their' system?

Remember Copago said it was an OLD machine. LOL

I'll give you a tip - don't use the old fine needle your mom left in the machine for sewing denim. Those broken needle bits fly all over the room!