Stitch 'Em Up - Applique a Story in Fabric - Nutcracker Patterns
     
Fabric, Needle and Thread Combinations

Confused about which thread goes with what fabric? How about picking the right needle to match that fabric and thread? Don't panic, we can help!
Here's a nice simple chart that will make it much easier.

Fabric Type Thread Type Needle
  General Purpose Top Stitching Machine Handwork
Very lightweight: Batiste, Chiffon, Organza, Voile and similar fabrics Very fine or embroidery Very fine or embroidery 9/65 9 or 10
Lightweight: Challis, Chambray, Crepe/Crepe de Chine, Eyelet, Gauze, Georgette, Interlock, Jersey, Seersucker, Silk, Taffeta and similar fabrics All purpose blends and 100% natural threads including silk All purpose blends and 100% natural threads including silk 11/75 8 or 9
Medium-weight: Broadcloth, brocade, chino, chintz, corduroy, flannel, linen, pique, satin, shantung, suiting, sweatshirt, swimsuit, terry, velour, velvet and similar fabrics All purpose blends and 100% natural threads including silk Topstitching, buttonhole and twists 11/75 or 14/90 7 or 8
Medium-to-Heavyweight: denim, double knit, drapery, fake-fur, fleece, gabardine, leather, quilted, ticking, twill, upholstery and similar fabrics Topstitching, buttonhole, twists, and upholstery Topstitching, buttonhole, twists, and upholstery 14/90 or 16/100 6
Heavyweight: canvas, ducking, sailcloth, upholstery and similar fabrics Topstitching, buttonhole, twists, and upholstery Topstitching, buttonhole, twists, and upholstery 18/110 1 - 5
     
Specific Sewing Thread Needle
Quilting by Hand Cotton or blend hand quilting Hand Quilting Betweens
7 - 12
Quilting by Machine Cotton, poly-blend, fine embroidery, and monofilament Machine 14/90
Applique by Hand Cotton, poly-blend Hand Quilting Between
8 or 9
Applique by Machine Rayon, silk, embroidery, cotton, poly-blend Machine 11/75
Machine Embroidery Rayon, silk, embroidery, cotton, poly-blend Machine 11/75