What size hand quilting needle do you use and why? I'd like to make my stitches smaller, but have trouble with needles bending with the the finer needle sizes. Thanks for your ideas.

I use a #10 and sometimes a #12, but since I have arthritis in my hands I have a little trouble with the 12.

I use a #11 Roxanne needle and it takes quite a bit of quilting before I bend the needle. If you use a lap hoop it also helps to load the quilt a little looser in the hoop.

I use a 10 also. That's the one I was taught to use.

I just saw on Fons and Porter, an old quilter said her grandmother said your quilting needle should be as long as the first knuckle on your index finger.

man, I don't think that they make them that small for me. Is it from finger tip in our hand out? that makes a huge difference.

was wondering the same thing....

I like to use a 11 of John James or Roxanne. These needles are as short as a 12, but the diameter is the same like a 10 - this prevents bending the needle quickly.

I saw that on F&P, too, and thought "Impossible!", but just took one of my applique needles and measured it from the first knuckle on my index finger to the tip of the finger, and there was 1/4" left. Comparing an applique needle to a between, I'd say that was just about right.

That said, I have short, stubby fingers, and I usually use an 11 John James

I use 10