Hand needles
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Maryville, Tn
Posts: 1,786
I think the right needle makes a HUGE difference! I think I've tried them all.. I used to use the James needles, but I don't think they slide through the fabric as easily as the Jeana Kimball Foxglove Cottage needles I use now. But be warned the eyes on these are TINY!! and the needles are very fine. But I love them because with the 12's I can get equally tiny stitches.
#5
Originally Posted by Tippy
I think the right needle makes a HUGE difference! I think I've tried them all.. I used to use the James needles, but I don't think they slide through the fabric as easily as the Jeana Kimball Foxglove Cottage needles I use now. But be warned the eyes on these are TINY!! and the needles are very fine. But I love them because with the 12's I can get equally tiny stitches.
sometimes when my eyes are tired, I have to go to a 10 in order to get mine threaded.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,659
I agree that there is a huge difference in hand needles!
Some just glide through the fabric -
Some seem to be able to thread more easily -
There is a size 11 Between available - I think it was a James brand -
a little more sturdy and easier to thread than the 12
The numbering system for needles is weird - why is it that the numbers are larger for finer hand sewing needles - and the other way around for machine sewing needles?
Some just glide through the fabric -
Some seem to be able to thread more easily -
There is a size 11 Between available - I think it was a James brand -
a little more sturdy and easier to thread than the 12
The numbering system for needles is weird - why is it that the numbers are larger for finer hand sewing needles - and the other way around for machine sewing needles?
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
I also find a HUGE difference in hand quilting needles. Unfortunately I don't know the brand I am using right now. I got them at Keepsake Quilting last summer. They are #12 and they came in a tiny little glass tube with a tiny little (real) seashell glued to the lid of the tube. I know that doesn't help any but somebody may know what brand is marketed that way. I love them but the eye is teeny tiny. I need my glasses and a magnifier to thread them. I use 100% cotton quilting thread and I always run my thread through beeswax.
I did find this interesting link on a needle review:
http://planetpatchwork.com/needles.htm
I did find this interesting link on a needle review:
http://planetpatchwork.com/needles.htm
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Maryville, Tn
Posts: 1,786
I use Kreinek (sp) thread Ninnie.. yep 100% cotton, and I use the hand quilting kind so it's a bit heavier also.. and yes.. sometimes I have trouble threading the needles.. Have to have a Bright light and the strongest readers I own.. I thread a whole tube (the needles come in tubes) on the spool at once. With a thinner thread it might not be such a challenge. But I sure do love those needles.
#10
I think those James brand needles are crap, and I won't buy any more. They were flaking and leaving little silver flakes of metal on my quilts. I'm now trying out some other brands, so far the best ones I have found are from the thimblelady.
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