New cargo kilt fresh of the press

[kilted firefighter]

Thanks for the tip. I naturally assumed bigger is better

[ratspike]

It is and it isn't. Generally speaking, heavier material needs bigger thread, which needs a bigger needle, and they all work together. You also want to use the smallest needle you can, so that you're not punching big holes in your material if you don't need to. I've never felt the need to go bigger than 16 for making a kilt. For the heavy fabrics I use for making bags, like X-Pac, Cordura, and waxed canvas, I use a size 20 or 22 needle and #69 bonded nylon thread.