Cathe

It definitely does make a difference!!

I have tried many kinds and prefer Piecemakers. I use a #10 for handquilting.

Ninnie

that's why I ask. I use all cotton, and it is thicker than other threads.
I have to have a small needle, can't seem to use anything bigger than a 10 and I prefer the 12, but hard to thread them.
I need to buy some needles, but have been so frustrated with the last batches. they bend so easy.

sewjoyce

I'm glad to hear that someone else "bends" their quilting needles. I was telling my friend (who hand quilts) and she said she had never had that problem...

I just have some needles purchased at JoAnn's but maybe I should invest in some better ones :roll: :roll:

Tippy

I do bend my needles a little, but rarely beyond usable. If you can't find them Ninnie let me know and I'll mail you some. I still owe you a squishy anyway.

redrummy

I have had trouble with the bending, I have bent a whole pack!!! I am going shopping tomorrow, and will try some new ones.

mpspeedy

I currently use the John Jakes, English needles. I have had to go to a size 9 since my autoimmune disease messes with my hands. They are a little expensive but last me a long time. They also have a round hole that is much eaiser to thread. I like the stiff 100% cotton thread but will use any brand if necessary. I made the mistake of purchasing a pack of needles from Micheals. It only took me a few minutes of use to break several of them in half. I handquilted two queen size quilts in the last three months so I got a lot of use out of my needles.

Pam in WV

Thimblelady has a very nice needle for piecing and hand quilting.

Boston1954

I bought a package of sharp 20's. I know they are on the big side but I like them because they do not bend so easily. I know, the smaller the needle the smaller the stitches, but I actually do not want my stitches TOO small. I like to be able to see them.

lyndawn

I agree that the brand can make all the difference in the world, not only with your quilting but also with your sanity while doing it.

I have tried just about every kind out there. I used to love using a #12 but as Ninnie said they bend so easily nowadays.

the worst experience I've had was the piecemaker needles. The eyes kept breaking on me all the time! I was upset because I had to special order them and did so on a review. I ordered a lot of them and now won't use them unless I have nothing else.

The walmart and Joanns brands bend almost as much as thread does..LOL Don't like those.

I now use only Bohen and I use a size 9. I can work with a 9 and it doesn't bend even when I have to quilt through a seem that is thick. I can't get them here but when I go to amish country I buy them out every time!

Lynette

Letty

Hi,I have always used Golden Eye size 10,but now have changed to size 12,either Golden Eye or James. After years of teaching the smaller the better for a good hand stitch I now have to admit defeat. My G.P. tells me that I have early Parkinsons, well I still have two big quilts to finish and many ideas I want to try out before the tremors get too much,so they will just have to wait !!!!I can always learn to machine quilt,which goes to show it's never too late to learn.I just wish I had started earlier in life to take up this wonderful craft. Love to all for a wonderful site. Letty