Which do you prefer?
11-20-2025, 05:30 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 133
Which do you prefer?
I've been thinking of making some new needlebooks and was wondering which type you prefer - one with a fusible fleece, a batting or just a stiff interfacing? Do you QAYG or use other sewing techniques. What draws you to specific needlebook type(s)...is it the design, how it's constructed, fabric choices etc? Any specific felt you like to use (i.e. acrylic/synthetic blend or wool, lighter or darker colors for felt) or just a fabric sandwich instead of felt. I know this is a crazy question but there are literally tons of patterns out there and I've gathered some good ideas from many of them and would like to incorporate them into some type of personal pattern for myself and gifts for sewing buddies. I am not making a pattern to sell. Just wondering what others think about using them and what you like about them besides just holding your hand sewing supplies. Thanks for any responses.
Last edited by FWDesigns; 11-20-2025 at 05:40 PM.
11-20-2025, 06:25 PM
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 25,186
A good question
An acquaintance gave one to me many years ago.
I was comparing it to a tiny sewing kit one of the members of my quilting group had.
The little sewing kit could hold some pins and needles, a thimble, very small scissors, and maybe a spool of thread that comes o n a tube. Maybe a seam ripper. It served mary lou very well. It was small - and I think it snapped shut. Don't remember if it was on a cord or strap that could be worn around one's nec
I have learned that if I just stuck pins or needles in a folded piece of cotton that rust can form where the pin or needle enters or leaves the fabric..
those little silica gel packets help minimize that.
For holding needles- I would like a lightweight wool felt. Nothing slippery. Want those pointy things to stay put!
I also like to use only one side of a page.
Right now, most of my needles are in plastic boxes.
A secondary question - approximately how many hand sewing needles do people have?
For those tiny hand quilting needles - a dark solid color..
An acquaintance gave one to me many years ago.
I was comparing it to a tiny sewing kit one of the members of my quilting group had.
The little sewing kit could hold some pins and needles, a thimble, very small scissors, and maybe a spool of thread that comes o n a tube. Maybe a seam ripper. It served mary lou very well. It was small - and I think it snapped shut. Don't remember if it was on a cord or strap that could be worn around one's nec
I have learned that if I just stuck pins or needles in a folded piece of cotton that rust can form where the pin or needle enters or leaves the fabric..
those little silica gel packets help minimize that.
For holding needles- I would like a lightweight wool felt. Nothing slippery. Want those pointy things to stay put!
I also like to use only one side of a page.
Right now, most of my needles are in plastic boxes.
A secondary question - approximately how many hand sewing needles do people have?
For those tiny hand quilting needles - a dark solid color..
11-21-2025, 05:03 AM
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 4,357
I made one for myself for my cross stitch items a couple years ago. Opened up it is 12" long by 6 1/2: tall. Two different but coordinating fabric prints with batting and quilted in a simple cross hatch pattern. The lower section is divided off into four sections to hold clips,sissors, thimbles etc. Then I took two pieces of white wool about 6 x 4 1/2", folded then in two and stitched them down the middle (like book pages) to hold needles and my magnetic needle holders. Bound all my raw edges as I would a quilt. Mine closes with a black button and black pony tail holder pulled over the button. Nothing fancy, but I've gotten alot of compliments on it and a few "will you make me one?" from others.
11-21-2025, 07:19 AM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,362
If you have made one and it is in use, please post some pictures! You have started me on a new rabbit hole. To the internet I go! I just use a giant tomato to hold needles in use and pins. If I haven't used the needle, it stays in the container that it came in. I haven't had any problems with rusting despite living in the hot and humid south. Good thing my AC works!
11-21-2025, 10:41 AM
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Toronto
Posts: 143
I only use matchbook-style needlebooks, made from paper and non-fusible interfacing. I love them!! Tidy, sturdy, can be labelled - and no more getting stabbed.
Last edited by magicmoonmusings; 11-21-2025 at 11:00 AM.
11-21-2025, 05:02 PM
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 18,340
I have an "unofficial" needlebook ... only for used needles, that still have life left in them!!
It started it's life as a small practice piece to get the tension right for quilting with top/bottom threads of different colours. So, a mini quilt of two pieces of fabric with batting between. I stitched some straight lines about 1/2" apart, the length of the piece. The one side was white. Instead of tossing, I took the notion to make use of it and trimmed it off, stitching the edges to hold in place. Also, stitched some cross rows, a little longer than needles are, so that now I had a grid. As I saved needles, I used a Sharpie, writing on the type of needle, and the size, Eg. Embroidery 12, etc. Folds up nicely, into a wee bundle, to store in my box with the new needles which I keep in their original packages.
I keep thinking of remaking it, but for now it works. When I do, the only thing I might change would be to have the needles sit across the width of "quilt" and then it will roll up nicely, like you would with a jelly roll.
It started it's life as a small practice piece to get the tension right for quilting with top/bottom threads of different colours. So, a mini quilt of two pieces of fabric with batting between. I stitched some straight lines about 1/2" apart, the length of the piece. The one side was white. Instead of tossing, I took the notion to make use of it and trimmed it off, stitching the edges to hold in place. Also, stitched some cross rows, a little longer than needles are, so that now I had a grid. As I saved needles, I used a Sharpie, writing on the type of needle, and the size, Eg. Embroidery 12, etc. Folds up nicely, into a wee bundle, to store in my box with the new needles which I keep in their original packages.
I keep thinking of remaking it, but for now it works. When I do, the only thing I might change would be to have the needles sit across the width of "quilt" and then it will roll up nicely, like you would with a jelly roll.
