I belong to a Small Quilt group on Facebook that has monthly challenges and mystery quilts. The piece I am currently working on has applique in the final border. I have done Machine applique and raw edge applique before but have never been happy with the outcome, so I have been watching Youtube and have been working on Needle Turn Applique today.

So ... here is my question to all you ladies that do Needle Turn - What needles and thread do you use and why? I used a "basic needle" but I found it was not thin or sharp enough (imho) and I used a coordinating thread from my stash of machine embroidery thread which seemed to work OK as it was thinner than my cotton thread. My hearts and flowers came out OK - not perfect but my leaves were questionable lol.

Any words of wisdom are greatly appreciated - I might as well learn something new in these "stay at home" times .

I use silk thread when I do needle turn applique. It seems to sink in and blend in well. Other than that, I think it's a skill that improves with practice....

GEMRM - do you use a coordinated color thread or a neutral color?

I use beige silk thread for needle turn. It easily slips out of the needle eye, so you have to give it a one hitch tie. I use a small sharps needle.

What is a one hitch tie? I may need this as I am always having to rethread my needle with silk thread.

just tie it once. I wanted to make sure you didn't double tie it.

I use Aurifil 80 weight the color of the piece I am appliquing- have used silk as well - thread cost can add up if you are appliquing a lot of different colors so I can understand using beige for all colors.

This is another time where I use Glide threads. I try to match the color to the piece am stitching. The lighter weight threads that are so strong are great.Going slow and trying not to twist your thread will help a great deal. It takes a great deal of practice to get what you want. I am right now working on some Sun Bonnet Sue blocks and they are going very slowly so I don't mess up. I am doing needle turn for these blocks. I am grateful there are not to many sharp points. I am working on this while I lay in bed watching TV at night. Best of luck. You will get it!

I use Tulip Applique needles size 10. I love these needles, they glide through the fabric like a hot knife through butter.
http://en.tulip-japan.co.jp/handstitch/

For thread, I bought a donut of Bottom Line bobbins. It's a very fine 60 wt thread and sinks into the fabric like silk does, but for the price of 3 or 4 spools of silk, I get a rainbow of 35 colors to choose from.
https://www.superiorthreads.com/superbobs-donut