A ballpoint needle differs from a standard needle in that the tip is rounded. The advantage of the rounded piercing tip is that it will slip more easily between coarse fibers, loose weaves or mesh fabrics. If you are stitching, for instance, hand knitted pieces together it would be disadvantageous to use a standard needle because it would risk fraying or even tearing strands of looser spun yarns.
If you are looking to machine stitch a loose woven, knit, mesh, or stretch fabric a ballpoint needle is the only way to accomplish a clean and professional finish.
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