The Penetration force and energy Per cycle developed during needle Penetration into and withdrawal from a fabric were measured on a sewing machine attached penetration force detector. Five major variables considered were sewing speed, needle diameter, needle point shape, needle surface finish, and number of fabric plies. It was found that the sewing speed had little effect on the penetration energy in the range of actual sewing speed. The needle diameter significantly affected the penetration energy, but the needle size did not affect the heat of the needle. The heat rises as the needle diameter increases, however, the increase of the heat dissipation due to the heat conduction and heat convection did not show much difference in the needle temperature. The usage of medium ballpoint needle was effective in reducing the penetration energy according to the type of fabric and especially the usage of super needle distinctly lowered the penetration energy. As expected, the number of fabric plies were the most important factors influencing the penetration energy.