quiltinggrandmaca

why hand quilting needles have such small eyes in them. It is so frustrating for me to thread these darn needles, even with a needle threader. The eyes are so small that sometimes the threader won't even hardly go through them. Just had to vent.

SulaBug

Sorry, I don't know that answer!! :(
But I have also wondered the same
thing. Hope you find out, here on the
Quilting Board!!
:D :D :D :D

Ninnie

I don't have the answer. I use a size 12 needle, and you can't use a threader with them. When My eyes are really tired, I have to move up to a 10. I think there are a brand out there with big eyes, but don't remember the brand

granny216

Richard Hemming has larger eye quilting needles. The only kind I've bought since I heard about them. I wear glasses and that doesn't help threading the smaller eyes.

justwannaquilt

Has anyone tried the "Spiral Eye Needle"? Not sure what sizes they come in but I remember seeing them advertised one time and seeing something about quilting. They are a side threading needle, meaning you don't have to stick the thread through the eye you just fold it in half and "snag" it on the open eye!

I think if they have a size for quilters it could be a GREAT thing! I know I am only 26 and I HATE threading tiny eye quilting needles!

OdessaQuilts

I'm going to take a "stab" at answering this question. I believe that it is because a larger eye could potentially leave a bigger "hole" in the fabric as you quilt, which of course is not particularly esthetically pleasing. At least that's my theory.

But I also agree with you that it's difficult to thread a quilting needle (especially the smaller ones) with quilting thread ... seems these needles have tinier eyes, and we all know quilting thread is a little bit thicker than what we sew with in our machines. You'd think the manufacturers could get it right :roll:

Katrine

I just bought some Big Eye quilting needles from the UK (John James). Not sure if Clover do them also. This supplier will post needles for a small sum in an envelope to the U.S.
http://www.asding.com/index.php?main...roducts_id=603

mic-pa

Just a tip on how I thread my needles. I use size 10 because 12's are just too small. When cutting your thread be sure and cut it at an angle. Not straight across. Then put the needle in your mouth (yes your needle) to wet the eye of it. Never get the end of the thread wet cause it will "swell" and be difficult to get thru the eye. I know all of us are used to putting the end of the thread in our mouths to thread that darn needle. Hope this helps or at least makes sense to some of you. Good luck Marge

Scissor Queen

You can also buy a better quality needle threader with a finer wire that threads those needles. They're Collins brand and they're made to thread finer needles. A package of two will last ages too.

Maryanne

Wow I thought I was the only one who couldn't thread those suckers. My friend uses a long basting needle but the eye is still small.