Someone recommended that I try John James quilting needles, so I tried them and they barely even have a point. They just do not want to go through the fabric, so I went back to my cheap dritz quilting needles, nice and sharp points and no problem.
Anyone else have a similar experience? What are the best hand quilting needles?

The best needles are the ones that give you the best stitch. Just because I like a certain needle doesn't make it the best for everyone, just me.

I will try any needle I find. Right now, I'm using Richard Hemmings, but before that I was using something else.

As for your John James needles, it could be a bad batch. I had every needle break in one package of Clover needles.

Janet

I have not had good luck with John James. I find the eye way too small, even the big eye ones. I am a huge fan of Roxanne hand quilting needles. I use size 11.

I get Roxanne #11 betweens Everyone has their favorite but I like these the best of any I have tried. I don't remember where I got them. I used Google to find them online. Hope this helps some:)

Thanks for your replies!, I have heard of Roxanne before and I think I'll give them a try.

I love these...found them at Lafayette, La LQS several yrs ago. I must be hard on needles but these do not bend/break like all the others I've tried. The eye is larger which is important the older I get. Roxanne R-120. Not cheap but worth the money IMHO. The container is just too cute!

www.colonialneedle.com/cgi-bin/quikstore.cgi?search=yes&category=Roxanne&template =database_list_roxanne

Just saw those needles, you're right, the container is really cute!

I'm another Roxanne devotee! I use either the #11 or #12. I really like the 12's best but sometimes they don't play nicely with some fabrics. I, too, tried John James and had the same issue...thinking they had no point! I also like the Thimblelady needles. They are the thickness of a normal 'between' but are longer - more like a straw needle. You can then load more stitches on your needle. I just like the convenience/timeliness of Colonial Needle better. In fact, my last order I had inadvertanly ordered #9 Roxannes. Months later when I realized what had happened, I called them and asked if they could be exchanged. No problem. I sent the needles back (I paid for shipping) and they replaced and equal number of tubes with the number 11's I needed at the time with no charge for shipping. And it was quick. Can't say enough good things about Colonial Needle.

I am using John James for years now and I never had any problems at all. Maybe you really got a bad batch, maybe it is just how you personally feel. However, when the Dritz needles work fine for you use them! We are lucky quilters today to have the choice between so many different brands. I also try different needles when I have the possibility.

I love the Roxanne betweens size 10