GAgal

I am interested in hand piecing and was told Roxanne #12 sharps were the needles to use. I really like how thin the needle is, but am having a little trouble with how short it is. I broke a bone in my hand several years ago and now I have trouble using the middle, ring and pinky fingers. So I'm wondering if there is a longer needle that is just a thin as the Roxanne needles? Or tell me what you like to use. Thanks!

BellaBoo

I like #10 sharps for handsewing and hand quilting. I like Roxanne and Piecemaker needles. The size that is comfortable for you is the right one to use no matter what anyone says. I don't like quilting between needles. Those are a pain in the butt to use no matter what size they are.

DogHouseMom

Needles are quite like thimbles ... not everyone will like the same one. I prefer the shortest needle possible, very small eye. Please don't ask me what brand/size etc it is because I have NO clue. I'm terrible - I buy a package of needles take them out and stick them in my pin cushion. When I need one I almost always gravitate to this one with the only exception being that I use a "cheater" needle when I have to bury threads in a quilt.

ckcowl

i like straws or milner needles - they are longer- and you can choose a size that is thin - i like the john James milners in 10's & 12's - i prefer longer needles too. (milners are sometimes called straw needles)

Peckish

I agree with Bella, get the needle YOU are most comfortable with. I do not like the smaller quilting or betweens, they are just way too small for my large hands. My favorite needles are the John James brand, sharps and straw needles, sizes 10 or 11. Both glide through the fabric like a hot knife through butter.

GAgal

Thanks so much for your input. It is good to know there are options! I was afraid I would have to just deal with it or give up on hand piecing.

Hinterland

I like straw needles - right now, I'm using John James size 11 or 12. They're longer, and quite thin. I used the sharps for a long time, but the longer needles are more comfortable.

It really doesn't matter, so long as you're happy with the stitches you are making.

Janet

cizzors

#9 straw..

Dotha

Agree that you just have to experiment. I do not like the straw needles at all. They are too long and awkward for me. I have been using the large eye John James betweens needles for hand piecing. I love hand piecing. Good luck in finding what works best for you. I like Piecemaker needles too. Roxanne's are wonderful but the LQS here are not carrying them. There is no right or wrong, what ever fits you. I like Roxanne's thimbles too but they are expensive.