I'm wondering what type of needle I should be using for applique...I bought a pack of "quilting betweens" and thought the smallest size should work, but I think it's just a hair shorter than my hand quilting needle. Is there a specific size recommended for applique? Thanks so much!

Here is a link on applique info:
http://quilting.about.com/od/appliqutechniques/Applique_Quilts_Learn_How_to_Applique.htm

http://www.quilterscache.com/StartQuiltingPages/startquiltingfour.html

I googled and this came up
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIC_enUS259US263&q=what+size+of+needle+d o+you+use+to+hand+applique

nice links, thanks bebe!

I use an applique needle--much longer than an in-between. It allows you to pick up much smaller stitches and should be pretty sharp. Honestly, I think the package says...applique needle. I think the last ones I bought were Dritz brand...it has been a long time though

HTH

I am doing an applique block at this time. I have the following needles
Richard Hemming & son needles milliners 10 whichi bought at a quilt shop and Gold eye applique needles #9 by clover which I found at Hancocks. Both work it is a matter of preference the smaller the needle the littler the stich. I am still rather new at this and still learning. Practice makes perfect :D

Thanks, quiltwoman...I thought they would be marked that way and didn't see any. I asked the clerk, but you know how that goes. I'll see if they have any at my LQS. The owner was a needlepointer before she got into quilting and has been a helpful resource. I was thinking of doing an applique addition to my flower garden (pictures posted under the heading SLOW progress...) but haven't even practiced yet...I think I need to get some supplies before I worry about the plan and see if it's for me. I was irritated that I couldn't find the tiny pins I needed while I was out, too. I did find a source online and will also check the LQS for those.

LOL far from perfect and still waiting to practice. I saw the needles you use in an online discussion with good reviews. I just wish I'd have thought of the question before I went out to the store. :-)

I do applique quilting and I just use my between needles. I think you need to experiment and see what works best for you.

Janie

http://www.appliquequiltdesigns.com

GREAT thread, Loretta. Thank you so much.

I bought some applique pins when I decided to do a Cathedral Windows pillow, they're so short they were hard for me to handle, I don't have big hands either but mostly they weren't very sharp and I think they should be thinner. I understand why they need to be so short but if they were thinner and sharper I would like them better! In case any body cares. LOL

I applique using straw needles. They are kind of hard to find in Delaware but I have found them at quilt shows. They come in two sizes and they are very flexible. They allow you to bend them to get just the slightest edge of the fabric. Hope that gives you another choice.

Thanks again for all the info ladies & wish me luck on this new to me avenue of quilting. I saw the pins and thought I'd have a tough time with them but then Texasquilts sent me a couple with the purple noodle August swap (beautiful fabrics, by the way & thank you!) and I didn't think they were as bad as I'd imagined. We'll see.

Hi Everyone, Looking at the forum today I saw the item regarding applique needles. I have been using betweens. Faith mentioned something about "straw" needles. I never heard of them. What are they like? Also Faith where in Delaware do you live? I am from Wilmington.
Thanks, Jean

I didn't find straw needles at the local quilt shop but did find Piecemakers brand "Hand Applique" fine sewing needles. They are described as Sharps size 12. I had someone tell me that the straw needles broke quite often for her and I have been known to bend many a needle in hand quilting, so I thought I'd take her suggestion and go for the sharps first.

Oh, I also found the Clover applique pins to help me get started. I'll keep my eyes open for the tiny ones without the bead head. Thanks to everyone for all your helpful suggestions.

Hi Jean,
I live South of Dover..
The straw needles I use...are called just that when you buy them. The ones I am using now are by Jeanna Kimball's Foxglove Cottage - I bought them I think at Quilter's Hive in Newark. There are other brands but I have trouble finding them locally. I have heard some call milliners and straw needles the same needle but I don't think they are actually the same kind of needle. ( I could be wrong) These needles are quite flexible and work wonderfully when hiding your applique stitch.
Hope that helps.
Faith whose real name is Deb