Universal Needles: The first and most well known type of needle is the universal needle. Universal needles will work for many different types of fabric. The tip of the needle is sharp enough for woven fabrics and rounded enough for some knit fabrics. When in doubt, a universal needle will usually get the job done, but sometimes there are better options for tricky fabrics.
Embroidery needles: Embroidery needles aren't just for embroidery! The eye of the needle is wider than a universal needle which allows decorative or embroidery thread to pass through without the thread snapping or shredding. If you notice that you're using a decorative thread that keeps shredding, try switching to an embroidery needle.
Microtex Needles: Microtex needles are very sharp and are most useful when sewing with a fabric that pulls or gets runs easily. This needle is more precise than most and is great for topstitching as your stitches will be straighter.
Ballpoint Needles: Ballpoint needles are the ideal needle when sewing with knits. This type of needle has a rounded point which pushes the fibers aside. This is important because any hole in a knit fabric will grow until you can know longer use it.
Stretch Needles: Stretch needles are very similar to ballpoint needles, but for very stretchy fabrics, lightweight knits, and swimsuit knits the stretch needle is ideal if you notice skipped stitches using a ballpoint needle.
Titanium Needles: Embroidery needles and universal needles both come with a titanium option. These needles are made out of titanium because they don't heat up the same way a traditional needle does. This is great for those times you are sewing something with adhesive. After sewing for a long period of time a regular needle will heat up and the adhesive will eventually gum up your needle, cause runs in the fabric, and break your thread.
Topstitch Needles: Topstitch needles have a longer eye which allows you to use heavy threads as well as more than one thread.
Quilting Needles: Quilting needles are specifically made for quilting. This needle helps reduce skipped stitches by having better fabric penetration.
Leather Needles: Leather needles have a tip that cuts the leather to allow the needle to penetrate fabric as it sews.
Denim Needles: Denim needles are thicker and stronger than most needles which allows you to sew through multiple layers of heavyweight fabric.
Needles come in sizes from 60 to 120. Size 60 needles are for the lightest weight fabrics. I use this size needles for chiffon, organza, etc. Size 120 is the exact opposite. So, heavyweight fabrics like home decor fabrics, heavy denim, etc. For most medium weight fabrics, you'll need to use around a size 80 or 90 needle, and this is what will come with your machine.
