Thread: What quilting needle do you use for applique?

Originally Posted by NJ Quilter

I think most folks use silk thread for applique. That might solve your problem? I have not taken the time to do much applique but a shop owner was giving a friend and me a quick lesson at one point and that was her suggestion. I did purchase some silk thread for when I was ready to get into applique and it truly is very fine and works well for the process.

Can silk thread be used for both hand and domestic machine applique? If using it in machine, what do you use for bobbin thread?

Yes, try silk thread. It is a finer thread and should go thru the needle easily.

i use silk thread and betweens needles. i highly recommend the Bohin needle threader... it has a large needle end and a small needle end

I went to a "thread" seminar once and the presenter said, to those who like to moisten the tip of the thread before threading a hand or machine needle, to stop that practice. She said that moistening will only cause the thread fibers to puff up and be even more difficult to get through the eye of the needle. Instead, she said, moisten the needle. I can imagine doing that to a machine needle ;o) but it works pretty well with a hand needle. As for myself, I can hardly see the eye of a needle anymore. I've had to resort to needles with a crewel eye. Placing something white behind the eye helps direct the light better and makes threading a bit easier. Good luck.

BTW, she also suggested what was suggested above: cut the thread at a slant.