Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • What hand needles are useful for a running stitch? >
  • What hand needles are useful for a running stitch?

  • What hand needles are useful for a running stitch?

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 08-25-2015, 09:20 AM
      #1  
    Senior Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Nov 2014
    Location: Sacramento County, CA
    Posts: 302
    Default What hand needles are useful for a running stitch?

    It finally happened. I outgrew my tools. My cheap hand needles are too blunt at the tips and not enough thinness to pick up running stitches on woven cotton. The shape is altogether wrong. Should I look for a particular kind of needle class? I know not to buy crewel. Or will any packet of needles from the quilt shop do the job? It is funny though. I do have some vintage needles from the 1950s or so and the shape is better. I have no idea whether they were cheap door to door sales needles or specialty needles though. And they are all too large and leave too much of a hole in the fabric. I checked.
    Quincunx is offline  
    Old 08-25-2015, 09:43 AM
      #2  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: Ontario, Canada
    Posts: 41,481
    Default

    I have these needles for my Redwork for working with perle cotton thread. They have a nice size eye for easy threading but are super sharp and thin. I use them for all my hand sewing now.[ATTACH=CONFIG]528757[/ATTACH]
    Attached Thumbnails image.jpg  
    Tartan is offline  
    Old 08-25-2015, 10:00 AM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jul 2014
    Location: Illinois
    Posts: 2,140
    Default

    I use the John James Embroidery needles, too, but in a size 10. Or sometimes if I'm just doing some detail (like leaf veins) while appliqueing, I just use the same Milliner 10 that I use for appliqué.
    Bree123 is offline  
    Old 08-25-2015, 10:29 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: May 2013
    Location: Ballwin, MO
    Posts: 4,230
    Default

    I hand piece and sew binding using my applique needles. I believe sharps are considered an all-purpose sewing needle.
    joe'smom is offline  
    Old 08-25-2015, 10:35 AM
      #5  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Jun 2011
    Location: Southern California
    Posts: 19,127
    Default

    I usually grab for the longest needle I have.
    ManiacQuilter2 is offline  
    Old 08-25-2015, 11:44 AM
      #6  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: Central NJ
    Posts: 5,571
    Default

    For most of my hand sewing I usually end up grabbing my betweens regardless of what hand sewing I'm doing. They are generally the handiest to me. Unless it's a really odd project. I use betweens for running stitches; quilting; stitching binding; hemming pants; you name it. I use Roxanne betweens normally either size #10 or #11. I do have some #12's but they are really, really tiny!
    NJ Quilter is offline  
    Old 08-25-2015, 02:31 PM
      #7  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Feb 2015
    Posts: 637
    Default

    Agree with NJQuilter on betweens. I use them on just about everything.
    DresiArnaz is offline  
    Old 08-25-2015, 04:59 PM
      #8  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Nov 2012
    Location: Pennsylvania
    Posts: 577
    Default

    I'm really happy you asked this question - I was hand sewing a binding last week and it occurred to me that there must be better needles out there than the Walmart specials that I have. Mine are getting dull, if they were ever sharp to begin with! Thanks for the info!
    Onetomatoplant is offline  
    Old 08-25-2015, 06:22 PM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    mom-6's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Feb 2010
    Location: Texas
    Posts: 6,395
    Default

    I usually get the variety pack of needles in the little circular plastic case.
    The longer and skinnier the needle, the better satisfied I am with using it for most hand stitching.
    mom-6 is offline  
    Old 08-25-2015, 06:23 PM
      #10  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Posts: 390
    Default

    The sharpest, slickest needles I have ever used are Hiroshima Tulips. They come in betweens and others.
    Genden is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    toolazy
    Main
    13
    03-19-2013 05:28 AM
    tothenci
    Links and Resources
    5
    06-26-2012 06:20 AM
    TeeGee
    For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
    23
    05-21-2012 09:03 AM
    ashbash91810
    Links and Resources
    4
    12-13-2011 03:25 PM
    Steve
    Main
    29
    11-16-2007 09:02 AM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter