Originally Posted by Scissor Queen
They're supposed to bend. If they don't bend they snap and that's way worse.
I don't agree. I rarely bend needles when handquilting and when I do it is only after hours and hours of usage and many I have not bent so I really don't think they are supposed to bend. I used to bend all the time and outright break them. I attributed to the following:
1. Cheap quality needles
2. Quilt sandwich too tight in the lap hoop
Try loosening up your tension a bit if you are using a lap hoop. If you are using a floor frame, try switching needle brands. I sear by Roxanne needles. I use a size 11 between.
Many here swear by John James brand. I have not tried those.