What's your favourite needle for hand basting? I'm tired of buying needles.
They are either too big or too small. I want fairly long needles but not the
ones that make big holes in the fabric. Any suggestions?

i use long needles that are very thin/fine; i use size 12 milners or straws.

I have a dollmaking needle that I sometimes use. I used to make Cabbage Patch dolls and bought it to shape their faces. It works great when basting a quilt sandwich. Lately, however, I have been pinning my layers together. :?

I got some needles at Michaels that are actually called "basting needles". They are quite long and thin so it's easy to make basting stitches and they don't leave big holes. I also sometimes use an embroidery needle because the eye is a little bigger. I'm basting with tatting thread so it's easier to thread those.

Me too.

Thanks for all the replies. I guess I'll just have to keep trying until I find one I like. :D

I'll have to check these out. I have used doll making needles up to now.

A curved needle works well for me.

I use the doll making needles because they're easy to thread with size 12 pearl cotton.

I agree on the straw needles. Believe it or not you can use the long skinney doll making needles too. Love those.