I have sewn for many years but now I am about to make something and I need a litle help. I am going to make a canopy for my picnic table and have bought the material for it. It is for outside use but I don't know what size needle i need.I am using a carpet thread which is a little lighter than a denim thread.Can any of you sewers out there have any advise about the needle size.thanks for any help you can give me.

I made a canopy for our arbor a while back using outdoor fabric, denim thread and a denim needle in my machine. Worked great and held together beautifully. Good luck.

thanks to all you cuties for the information you gave because it all helped me. The lady at Jo-ann fabrics who does sewing on the side said your information would have been what she would have given me. I found a company in N.C. that I got the thread from and they gave about the same advice, so we have some pretty bright cuties out there. thanks a bushel

You can buy #18 needles at any JoAnn's. They say jeans needle.

They use to have a needle that was called denim, duck, canvas. size 18. I used it for all heavy materials. I made canvas blinds for a boats and I make drift bags for boats, I have a older phaff, so I can use the heavy needles. But the new sewing machines you can only use up to a 16, so my baby lock dealer says. nobody even has size 18 anymore. Good Luck!

An 18 needle would be best .

I would opt for the denim needle, go slow and lengthen your stitch just a bit until you see how it's going to sew. Be sure to post a picture when you're done :-)

Here is some good information on outdoor fabrics and techniques. I'm interested as I want to make a garden flag and use materials that will hold up outdoors.

http://www.beaconfabric.com/vinde...

Hi "cottonball" I'm with Annie below - I'd use a size 16 needle as if you are going to be sewing a canvas style fabric you need a strong needle. I don't know what carpet thread is, but I'd use a very strong cotton more like a denim thread. Good luck with it all. Love and blessings Chris, Newcastle, Australia.

We need to know about the fabric you are using: Is it a heavy outdoor canvas? How many layers will you be sewing through at the seams or hem? You may be fine with a #14 or #16 sharp needle but may need to step up if you get breakage.