Needle Systems for Different Sewing Machine

A needle system defines the dimensions of a needle to suit the machine type. Needle systems are classified based primarily on three measurements: eye to butt length (D), shank length (N), and shank diameter (A), and specific to different stitch classes. 

Needle systems are expressed as alphanumeric code with a multiplication sign within. For example, DBX1 is also referred as 16X231 and TQX1 is also referred to as 175X1. To date, there is no uniform categorization of needle system numbers across major needle manufacturers. It is advisable to check with the machine manufacturer for the suitability of the needle system to the machine.

Every machine manufacturers suggest needle systems in their machine catalog for a specific sewing machine. The following table is prepared based on Asian (organ) needle systems, each of them is available in different sizes.

Stitch Class	Machine Types	Needle System
100 (Single Thread Chain Stitch)	Single-thread, Chain Stitch	TVX7
	Single-thread, Chain Stitch Buttonholing	DBX1
	Single-thread, Chain Stitch, Button Sewing	TQX1, TQX7
	Blind Stitch	LWX6T,
	Saddle Thread	CPX1J , CPX12J
300 (Lock Stitch)	Single Needle Lock Stitch	DBX1, DBX5, DAX1
	Double Needle Lock Stitch	DPX5
	Zigzag Stitching Machine 1 step	DBX1B, DPX5
	Zigzag Stitching Machine 3 Steps	134 SUK
	Cylinder Bed Lock Stitch	UY180GVS
	Post Bed Lock Stitch	TVX7, DPX17
	Bartacking	DPX5, DPX17
	Straight  Lock Stitch Buttonholing	DPX5
	Eyelet Buttonholing	DOX558
	Lock Stitch Button Sewing	DPX17
	Sleeve Setting Machine	DPX17
	2-needle, Automatic Welting Machine	DPX17
	Automatic Belt-loop Attaching Machine	DPX17
400 (Multi Thread Chain & Bottom Cover Stitch)	Flat-bed, 1-needle, Double Chain Stitch	TVX7
	Flat-bed, 2-needle, Double Chain Stitch	TVX7
	Raised-bed (Flat Lock) 2-Needle Bottom Covering Chain Stitch	UY128GAS
	Raised-bed (Flat Lock) 3-Needle Bottom Covering Chain Stitch	UY128GAS
	Cylinder Bed, 2-Needle Bottom Cover Chain Stitch	UY128GAS
	Cylinder Bed, 3-Needle Bottom Cover Chain Stitch	UY128GAS
	Feed-off-the-arm, 2-Needle, Double Chain Stitch (Light Wt.)	TVX64
	Feed-off-the-arm, 3-Needle, Double Chain Stitch (Medium Wt)	UY128GAS
	Feed-off-the-arm, 3-Needle Double Chain Stitch (Ex. Heavy Wt.)	UY130GS
	Kansi Special	UOX113, UYX113
	Multi Needle Shirring/Smocking	DVX57, UOX113
500 (Over Edge Chain Stitch)	1-Needle, Three Thread Over lock	DCX1, DCX27
	2-Needle, Four Thread Over Lock	DCX1, DCX27
	2-Needle, Five Thread Safety/ Interlock	DCX27
	3-Needle, Six Thread Safety/ Interlock	DCX27
	Over Lock/ Safety (Heavy Materials)	DOX5
600 (Top-Bottom Covering Chain)	Raised-bed (Flat Lock) Top and Bottom Covering Stitch	UY128GAS
	Cylinder-bed, Top and Bottom Cover stitch	UY128GAS
	Feed-off-the-arm,4-needle, Top & Bottom Cover stitch (Flat seamer)	FLX118GCS, & FLG-8

Source: Juki, Brother, and Kansai