What Size Needle Should I Use for Felt Hat Sewing? Needle Size for Felt Hat

Choosing the correct needle size is paramount when sewing felt hats, ensuring a smooth and professional finish. 

The needle size selection depends on the thickness of the felt and the type of sewing, be it with a machine or by hand. 

Generally, a medium-sized needle, like 70/10 or 80/12, is recommended for sewing machines, with a cautionary note on using larger needles for thicker felts. 

Hand-sewing often involves embroidery needles with a sharp tip and a giant eye, accommodating thicker threads. 

This guide explores the nuances of needle selection for felt hat sewing, ensuring a seamless and visually appealing outcome in your creative endeavors.

What Size Needle Should I Use for Felt Hat Sewing?

Selecting the correct needle size is crucial when sewing a felt hat, as it ensures smooth stitching and prevents damage to the delicate material. 

The choice of needle size depends on whether you’re using a sewing machine or hand-sewing, as well as the thickness of the felt you’re working with.

Here are the guidelines for selecting the appropriate needle size for Felt Hat sewing:

Sewing Machine Needles

When using a sewing machine for felt hat construction, opting for a medium-sized needle is advisable. Universal machine needles in sizes 70/10 or 80/12 are commonly recommended. 

These needles are versatile and work well with various fabrics, including felt. If you’re dealing with thicker felt or sewing through multiple layers, consider using a slightly larger needle, such as a 90/14. 

However, be cautious with larger needles, as they can leave visible holes in the felt, compromising the finished appearance.

Hand Sewing Needles

For hand-sewing felt hats, embroidery needles or crewel needles are frequently preferred. 

These needles feature a sharp tip and a giant eye, accommodating thicker threads like embroidery floss or perle cotton commonly used in hat embellishments. 

When choosing a hand-sewing needle size, match it to the thickness of your thread and consider your comfort. Using a needle that complements your thread helps prevent friction and breakage while sewing.

How to Sew a Felt Hat With a Sewing Machine? Step-By-Step Guide

Sewing a felt hat with a sewing machine can be rewarding and creative.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Materials and Tools:

• Felt fabric
• Sewing machine
• Matching thread
• Pins or clips
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Iron
• Hat pattern (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Felt

Begin by laying your chosen felt fabric on a clean, flat surface. Smooth out any wrinkles to ensure accurate cutting. 

If you have a hat pattern, carefully place it on the fabric and secure it with pins. If you don’t have a pattern, use a measuring tape to mark and cut the desired shape for your hat. 

Be sure to include seam allowances to allow for stitching without affecting the final size and shape of the hat.

Step 2: Pin or Clip Layers

For hats with multiple layers of felt, whether for added structure or design complexity, use pins or clips to secure the layers together. 

This step is crucial to prevent any shifting or misalignment during the sewing process. Pay extra attention to matching seams and corners, ensuring a clean and professional finish.

Step 3: Set Up the Sewing Machine

Prepare your sewing machine for felting by selecting a suitable needle and thread. Thread the machine with a color that closely matches your felt fabric. 

Choose a medium-sized needle, such as a 70/10 or 80/12 universal machine needle, and set the machine to a straight stitch or a stitch appropriate for your project. Make sure your machine is in good working order before you start sewing.

Step 4: Sew the Seams

Carefully start sewing along the marked seams or edges of your felt hat. Begin with a backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure the stitches.

Take your time to maintain even stitching, especially when working with multiple layers. Consider using a slower speed for better control if your machine has adjustable speed settings.

Step 5: Try on and Adjust

Once the main seams are complete, try on the hat to assess the fit. If adjustments are needed, mark the areas requiring changes. 

Carefully unpick the stitches in those areas, make the necessary adjustments to the size or shape, and then re-sew. This step ensures a comfortable and well-fitted end product.

Step 6: Hem the Brim

For hats with brims, fold the edge and sew a hem to finish it neatly. Experiment with different brim widths to achieve the desired style for your hat. Take your time to ensure the hem is even and the brim maintains its intended shape.

Step 7: Pressing and Finishing

Use an iron to press the seams and any hems to give your felt hat a polished appearance. Set the iron to a temperature suitable for felt, and use a pressing cloth if necessary to protect the fabric.

Pressing helps to flatten seams and enhances the overall look of your hat. Make any final adjustments as needed.

Step 8: Embellish

Express your creativity by adding embellishments to your felt hat. Consider attaching ribbons or bows or experimenting with decorative stitches using contrasting thread. 

Personalize your hat to match your style and make it uniquely yours. This step adds a final touch of flair to your handmade creation.

FAQs

What Is the Perfect Needle Size for Hand Sewing Felt?

The perfect needle size for hand-sewing felt typically ranges from 7 to 9, with embroidery needles (crewel needles) being popular due to their sharp tips and more enormous eyes that accommodate thicker threads.

What needle size is suitable for machine-sewing felt hats?

A medium-sized needle, such as 70/10 or 80/12, is recommended for sewing felt with a machine.

Can I use a larger needle for thicker felt when machine-sewing?

While a 90/14 needle may suit thicker felts, be cautious, as larger needles can leave visible holes.

Is pressing necessary when finishing a felt hat?

Yes, using an iron to press the seams and any hems gives the felt hat a polished appearance and enhances the overall look of the finished product.

To Recap

Choosing the correct needle size is critical in achieving a successful and aesthetically pleasing outcome when sewing felt hats. 

Whether using a machine or hand-sewing, selecting the appropriate needle, such as a medium-sized needle for machines or embroidery needles for hand-sewing, plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth stitching and preventing potential issues like visible holes. 

Attention to detail, careful adjustments, and thoughtful finishing touches, such as pressing, contribute to the overall quality of the felt hat. 

By adhering to these guidelines, creators can confidently embark on their felt hat sewing projects, producing personalized and professionally crafted headwear.