Size 75/11 Sewing Machine Needle: Fabrics, Thread and Types
A 75/11 needle has a blade 0.75 mm thick (75 is the metric size, 11 the US size). Use it for lightweight to medium knits, quilting cotton piecing, machine embroidery, with 50 to 60 wt; 40 wt embroidery thread on an Embroidery 75/11 thread. It comes in Universal, Stretch, Quilting, Embroidery, Titanium-Coated needle types.
Choose size by thread thickness and fabric weight; choose type by fabric (Schmetz). Thread pairings are starting points from thread makers; test on a scrap.
| Metric / US size | 75 / 11 |
|---|---|
| Blade diameter | about 0.75 mm |
| Fabrics | Lightweight to medium knits, Quilting cotton piecing, Machine embroidery |
| Thread weights | 50 to 60 wt; 40 wt embroidery thread on an Embroidery 75/11 |
| Notes | Schmetz Quilting, Stretch, and Embroidery come in 75/11. |
Which needle types come in size 75/11?
| Type | Point | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Universal | Slightly rounded point | General sewing on wovens and many knits |
| Stretch | Medium ball point with special eye and scarf to prevent skipped stitches | Spandex and Lycra blends, Swimwear, Activewear, Highly elastic knits |
| Quilting | Special taper to a slightly rounded point | Piecing, Machine quilting through layers |
| Embroidery | Light ball point with wide eye and groove | Rayon and polyester embroidery thread, Machine embroidery |
| Titanium-Coated (Schmetz Gold Embroidery) | Embroidery-style point with titanium nitride coating for longer life | Dense or coarse fabrics in machine embroidery, Long embroidery runs |
How does 75/11 compare with other needle sizes?
| Size | Fabrics | Thread |
|---|---|---|
| 60/8 | Silk chiffon, Organza, Batiste | 80 to 100 wt |
| 65/9 | Silk, Fine and highly elastic knits, Lingerie fabrics | 60 to 100 wt |
| 70/10 | Lawn, Voile, Silk | 60 to 80 wt |
| 75/11 | Lightweight to medium knits, Quilting cotton piecing, Machine embroidery | 50 to 60 wt; 40 wt embroidery thread on an Embroidery 75/11 |
| 80/12 | Quilting cotton, Shirting, Poplin | 40 to 50 wt |
| 90/14 | Light to medium denim, Twill, Corduroy | 28 to 40 wt; heavier threads on a Topstitch needle |
| 100/16 | Heavy denim, Canvas, Upholstery | 12 to 30 wt (use a Topstitch needle for 12 wt) |
| 110/18 | Heavy canvas, Upholstery, Heavy denim | Heavy and topstitching threads |
| 120/19 | Very heavy canvas, Upholstery, Vinyl | Heavy thread |
When in doubt, test
Sew a few inches on a scrap of the same fabric, folded to the same thickness. Skipped stitches usually mean the wrong type; shredded thread usually means the eye is too small.
Needles and machines
SCHMETZ Gold Jeans Sewing Machine Needles, Size 100/16
$8.99Keep a pack of heavier needles on hand for hems, denim and bag projects.
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Brother CS7000X Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine
$279.99A beginner-friendly computerized machine that takes standard household needles.
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Juki HZL-G120 Computerized Sewing Machine
$819.00A box-feed garment machine that feeds light and stretchy fabrics evenly.
Check pricePrices change often, so confirm on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 75/11 needle used for?
A 75/11 needle suits lightweight to medium knits, quilting cotton piecing, machine embroidery. Schmetz Quilting, Stretch, and Embroidery come in 75/11. Pair it with 50 to 60 wt; 40 wt embroidery thread on an Embroidery 75/11 thread as a starting point, and test on a scrap of your fabric before starting the project.
What do the numbers 75/11 mean on a needle?
The first number is the metric size and the second is the US size. The metric number is the blade diameter in hundredths of a millimeter (80 = 0.80 mm). So a 75 needle has a blade about 0.75 mm thick. Higher numbers are thicker needles for heavier fabric and thread.
What thread goes with a 75/11 needle?
Thread makers suggest 50 to 60 wt; 40 wt embroidery thread on an Embroidery 75/11 thread for a 75/11 needle. The eye must let the thread pass without shredding or looping. If thread frays, breaks or skips stitches, move up one needle size or switch to a topstitch or embroidery needle with a larger eye.
Which needle types come in size 75/11?
In Schmetz sizing, 75/11 is available in Universal, Stretch, Quilting, Embroidery, Titanium-Coated (Schmetz Gold Embroidery) needles. Choose the type by fabric: ballpoint or stretch for knits, jeans for denim, microtex for fine wovens, and universal for general sewing.
How often should I change a 75/11 needle?
Many sewists change needles every 6 to 8 hours of sewing, or at the start of each new project, and immediately if the needle hits a pin or starts to make a popping sound. A dull needle causes skipped stitches, snags and puckering long before it looks damaged.
How we research: we compare manufacturer specifications, owner manuals, published standards and recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We do not test products in person, and this is researched guidance, not professional advice. Follow your machine manual and pattern, and take care with rotary cutters, hot irons and needles. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.