Schmetz Round Shank 287 WH/1738

System S16x231 is generally used in single needle lockstitch industrial sewing machines. It is also known as 16x95, 287WH, 1738A. Standard sharp point.

For Artisan machines and various home overlockers/Sergers

Choosing the correct needle:-

Stitch quality is dependent on using the correct needle for your thread, fabric and the type of machine sewing you are using for your project. When the wrong needle is used you may get stitching that puckers, skips or thread may break.

1. Fabric.
Consider fabric weight, thickness, weave type (woven or knit), weave density (close weave or loose weave) and composition (natural fibre or synthetic).

2. Thread.
Consider matching your thread composition to your fabric (polyester threads for synthetics, cotton for cotton fabrics etc) and your sewing purpose (seams, hems, topstitching, quilting, machine embroidery etc)

3. Needle Style.
If your project or thread is specialised, choose your needle based on that rather than fabric type, eg. embroidery, quilting and twin needle work have a specific needle while there is a specific thread for topstitching which requires a certain needle type.
If your project involves general sewing or overlocking, base your needle choice on the characteristics of the fabric you are sewing with. For instance are you working with woven fabrics (heavy or light, denim jeans), leather, or stretch fabric?

4. Needle Size.
When you have selected the type of needle you must also choose the size (width) of needle.