GrammaNan

Thanks Gollytwo, I don't feel "weird" about using a different sized needle than everyone else.

raptureready

I use whatever happens to be near my chair with a large enough eye that I can see to thread it. If the one I pick up doesn't seem to work right I try another one. I've never looked at the size or brand in my entire life. Just use the one that fits your hand and does what you want it to do. My mother had rather delicate tips on her fingers and liked a small needle. I have wide square tipped washer woman hands and fingers, I need a longer needle.

greaterexp

Craftybear, you are the internet search queen! Thank you for these links. How helpful!

Boston1954

Mine are fairly large. I cannot use the tiny ones. I do not know the number. Will have to take one with me if I want to get more.

Dianne Lenore

Curious as to what is your unconventional way as if you can get 10-12 stitches per inch, I would like to know how to do it

Jeandrig

I have just finished a baby quilt, and it was so hard to pull the needle through that I thought I had got the wrong backing material, was almost through with it and changed to a no. 8 John James and it was like sewing through butter, it was so easy. I'm sure that will be my favorite needle from now on.

jenna p in ga

Well, I am just starting on my hand quilting journey but I wanted to share also. I thought I would like the smaller size...9...but found the 10 actually was better. I had a hard time threading the smaller size. I also found that the looser the fabric is in my frame the easier it is to get several stitches on the needle, and the needle seems to not bend so much. So, that is what I have learned so far. I am sure that things can very based on the fabric etc. so a year from now I may be doing it totally different :).

Happy stitching,
Jenna

tryitall

I try to use a 10. Anything smaller and I bend em real soon.

GrammaNan

Diane, I don't use a hoop and I don't use a thimble on my left hand. I use safety pins and if necessary, I hand baste. I am able to use my left hand to "pinch" the fabric onto the needle with my left thumb on top and my other fingers underneath. I have only hand quilted QAYG blocks this way, but I can get really small stitches. When I use a hoop for larger pieces I place it loosely in the hoop, that way I can still pinch the fabric from underneath. I don't have any problems with puckers on the back because I can feel the fabric. I will have to tell you that I have some pretty big callouses on two fingers on my left hand and it took some practice to not draw blood, but to me it was worth it. I am going to try using the "Aunt Becky" on my next project. If you haven't heard of it, Google it, it is pretty neat. If you have any questions, please PM me.

SillyStitchin

That "Aunt Becky" looks interesting. I would like to see someone use it or even try to use it myself. I think I may have to go shopping