Specialized needles designed for heavy-duty fabrics like denim feature a strong shank and a sharp, tapered point. This point helps penetrate multiple layers of tightly woven material without deflecting or breaking. A common example is a size 90/14 needle, suitable for most denim weights.
The correct needle selection is crucial for successful denim projects. Using a needle designed for lighter fabrics can lead to broken needles, skipped stitches, and damaged fabric. A heavy-duty needle, however, minimizes these risks, ensuring clean stitch formation and preventing premature wear on the sewing machine. Historically, the development of specialized needles paralleled the rise of denim as a popular fabric, enabling efficient mass production and facilitating the creation of durable garments.