I'm wondering what type of needle I should be using for applique...I bought a pack of "quilting betweens" and thought the smallest size should work, but I think it's just a hair shorter than my hand quilting needle. Is there a specific size recommended for applique? Thanks so much!

Here is a link on applique info:
http://quilting.about.com/od/appliqutechniques/Applique_Quilts_Learn_How_to_Applique.htm

http://www.quilterscache.com/StartQuiltingPages/startquiltingfour.html

I googled and this came up
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIC_enUS259US263&q=what+size+of+needle+d o+you+use+to+hand+applique

nice links, thanks bebe!

I use an applique needle--much longer than an in-between. It allows you to pick up much smaller stitches and should be pretty sharp. Honestly, I think the package says...applique needle. I think the last ones I bought were Dritz brand...it has been a long time though

HTH

I am doing an applique block at this time. I have the following needles
Richard Hemming & son needles milliners 10 whichi bought at a quilt shop and Gold eye applique needles #9 by clover which I found at Hancocks. Both work it is a matter of preference the smaller the needle the littler the stich. I am still rather new at this and still learning. Practice makes perfect :D

Thanks, quiltwoman...I thought they would be marked that way and didn't see any. I asked the clerk, but you know how that goes. I'll see if they have any at my LQS. The owner was a needlepointer before she got into quilting and has been a helpful resource. I was thinking of doing an applique addition to my flower garden (pictures posted under the heading SLOW progress...) but haven't even practiced yet...I think I need to get some supplies before I worry about the plan and see if it's for me. I was irritated that I couldn't find the tiny pins I needed while I was out, too. I did find a source online and will also check the LQS for those.

LOL far from perfect and still waiting to practice. I saw the needles you use in an online discussion with good reviews. I just wish I'd have thought of the question before I went out to the store. :-)

I do applique quilting and I just use my between needles. I think you need to experiment and see what works best for you.

Janie

http://www.appliquequiltdesigns.com

GREAT thread, Loretta. Thank you so much.

I bought some applique pins when I decided to do a Cathedral Windows pillow, they're so short they were hard for me to handle, I don't have big hands either but mostly they weren't very sharp and I think they should be thinner. I understand why they need to be so short but if they were thinner and sharper I would like them better! In case any body cares. LOL