teddysmom

I'm having a hard time hand quilting with those small quilting needles. The arthritis in my right hand makes it difficult to maneuver those VERY SMALL needles and the eyes are so small it's difficult to thread. Any suggestions for a needle that is more maneuverable but still does the job?

Donnamarie

Do you have a needle threader? They cost around $15 but are totally worth it. Don't buy the cheap ones, they don't work. If you don't have one, I guarantee you will love it

teddysmom

I have a needle threader but my main concern is a good size needle for hand quilting.

Pat625

I finally gave up trying for the tiny stitches for the same reason. I can't maneuver the tiny needles anymore..I aim now for consistency and neatness. I love the John James needles, The one I like best is the size 9 Gold n Glide. They move through the fabric easier so less stress on the hands. The gold eye helps thread it, although as the day goes on, I do depend on a threading device more.

teddysmom

Sounds like that would work for me, too. Where did you buy it?

Hinterland

You might want to look at Liuxin Newman's site, thimblelady.com. She is a quilter from Australia with a unique way of hand quilting. She uses long needles, makes sure the sandwich is very very loose, and makes the tiniest stitches.

Janet

Jackie Spencer

Those itty bitty needles are hard to thread, but I like the tiny sts. they make. When Im doing hand quilting, my daughter comes over and threads a whole pkg. of them on to my spool of quilting thread. That keeps me going for along time, when I need more she does it again.

Hinterland

You can make small stitches regardless of needle size - it's just easier with a smaller needle.

Janet

QKO

Most of the hand quilters that buy needles from us like 10's or 11's. John James Golden Glide also comes in a "Big Eye" version to make threading a little easier.