What size needle do all you hand quilters use?
 

What size works the best for our quilting experts? I've always thought it was easier to make smaller stitches with a smaller needle, but sometimes I have trouble with needles bending.

I am not an expert....merely a persistent plodder:). I use a size 12 and yes over time my needles bend, but I don't think that is unusual. I do try and buy the best available.

I use a size 10. The brands are not all alike. I bought a different brand size 10 and it was bigger than I normally use. Try several sizes and brands till you find the one that you like.

I use to use millners needles, the finest possible like a size 8 or 10. When I couldn't find them anymore I used a size 8 of whatever brand I could find. I liked German needles the best. I never found one that did not bend. My personal theory is the heat from our hands bends them.

I use a 12. Sometimes they do bend because they are so small and thin. Just get another new one and keep going.ha. You can get smaller stitches. I also keep a loose quilt too.

I generally use a size 10. I am not looking to get the tiniest stitches ever. I am looking to get the project done! My stitches are nice and even and that is really what counts unless you are looking to win prizes. For something very special - a smaller size needle ( say a 12) will result in smaller stitches once you get the hang of it.

tried to reply and the site keeps crashing. Wow, so that finally went through.

Just like with anything and everything else, use what you are comfortable with and what works for you.
Mom used a short sharp. She had dainty fingers. My old washer-woman fingers can't even hold onto a short needle.

I use a #9 It fits my fingers nicely.
I start my students in hand quilting with a #8 then recommend getting smaller as they gain confidence and skill. until they find the one that works best.

I use golden eye coated needles. I buy a pack and use each until they bend too much or break from straightening them. I have used a small pair of needle nose pliers to hold the needle sometimes and a spoon underneath. My hands don't work very well sometimes and I'm tooo pigheaded to stop.

I use the shortest needles, a #11, but not the thinnest one. Some brands offer a very thin #12 and this is not sturdy enough for my hands.

A few years ago I learned that the right needle's size also depends on the method you use. On a fair I had the opportunity to watch a lady from Australia demonstrating hand quilting and she used very long and thin appliqué needles! The result was breathtaking....

I think Borntohandquilt is referring to the ThimbleLady needles. I've used hers and like them but I find they do bend a bit easier than the Roxanne's I prefer. I usually use either a #11 or #12, depends on which is handy at the moment and what kind of fabric/thread I'm working with. I also use a ThimbleLady stainless steel thimble. They are cone shaped and have very deep dimples. The quilt I'm working on right now is primarily batiks on front and batik backing. #12's just weren't making it through that!

I use a size 11 - they're as short as 12s, but as thick as 10s. I have some size 12 needles that bend when I take them out of the package. I also like to try different brands, just in case I find something better.

Janet

I like Roxanne's needles as the eyes are bigger so they are easier to thread. Have used 11 betweens in the past but seemed to have misplaced them so picked up so 10s. Used one of those last night at quilt bee and it worked pretty well.

mltquilt

I use Clover's betweens size 10, very sharp and they don't bend.

I bought a sampler pack of fox glove beteens. I started using the #9, which I really liked and was able to get good control of my stitches, but then I lost it! I then used the #10 between, which gives me even better stitces, but the eye is so much smaller it is hard for me to put the thread through. I might try Roxanne's #10 since I hear they have a larger eye, which is what I need.
The moral of all this, is to use one that suits you. On the sample pack of fox glove it says to use the needle that you are most comfrotable with, that gives you good control of the needle and that is easy for you to thread.

I use 10s and I too have trouble with needle bending, but I have found that it has a lot to do with the fabic that I'm quilt. I still looking for the "just right" one. so I just keep getting differt brands. and may be some day i will find the just right one for me. but if I do they will be taken out the store before long.

Normally a 12!

I had to go check... John James large eye quilting needles, size 11.

I usually use John James 11's and 12's. It depends on the fabric and the batting to me. I like tiny little stitches but I like consistancy better. I usually save the tiny stitching for wall hangings and "arty" type projects. For utility quilts, I don't mind a little larger stitch. I'm also interested in trying "big stitch" quilting using Perle Cotton. Looks like it might be fun.

I will only use Piecemakers size 10 needles. I hardly ever have one bend or break. I don't throw away until they are really dull!!

I use both 10's and 11's Richard Hemming & Son needles.
I find 12's bend on about the third threading for me.

I use short needles (11 or 12) because I have short little fingers. It hurts my hand to use bigger ones because my fingers spread too far apart when using them.

I've found that if I keep my quilt very loose in the hoop, I get smaller stitches and fewer bent or broken needles.

10 or 12 and eventually they all bend.
I have sometimes 6 needle going at once,
so I can carry on the next time I roll the quilt.
J J

Size 10. I find I am more comfortable with that size needle.

I use a size 8 or 9, anything smaller and I break it because of the way I hand quilt.