Best needles for Hand Applique
 

What are the best size needles for hand applique? Thank you!

Thank you!

I think this is another one of those "personal preference" things.

I like John James #10 or 11, Roxanne 10 or 11, and Tulip embroidery 10. Some people like straw needles, but I find they bend too easily for me.

I have seen Tulip brand recommended. It's a good idea to try several to find out what you like best. For example, some are easier to thread than others, some are easier to pull through the fabric.

After trying every needle imaginable, I finally went to a milliners needle #10 or 11, and LOVED them!!!! So much more control, far better to work with. After my "discovery", I found that Sue Daley also uses the same needle when she appliques. Good enough for Sue Daley, good enough for me! LOL

I use milliners needles, too. You want a longer needle so you can use it as a tool to turn under the fabric edge as you go.
Another suggestion if you can swing it is to use silk thread that matches the applique fabric. Expensive, but so worth every penny. It's heaven to applique with because your stitches are nearly invisible. The needle falls off the thread easily, though, watch out for that.

Strictly personal preference, but generally a thin needle works best. Most important is length. I have a small hand and prefer a #12 John James Sharp. Lesson learned when teaching a class. A lady in class was trying to use a 12 and her stitching was terrible. The next morning someone in class had a longer needle and her stitching improved immediately. Her hand was very much larger than mine so she needed the additional length. So as sharp and as thin as you can get to fit your hand.

I'll chime in that I've enjoyed using the Tulip Milliner's Straw Needles #10.

I also used the milliners or straw needles.

Straw needles as well, tried others but these worked best for me.

That is basically user preference. I personally don't like John James needles, they seem to bend way too easily. I love the Clover Gold Eye Applique needles much better and have used them for years.