Hand Needle Suggestions
 

I love to do my binding by hand but, as of yet, haven't found a great needle that I love to use. I've used Singer and Dritz. I'm fairly new at this (a year) and would love to know what you have found that is smooth, sharp, and not terribly hard to thread.

The last pack I had I did find a size I like, but it was in an assorted pack and not labeled. How would I find out what that size is so I can order several?

Thanks.

I use Roxanne needles for hand sewing. I buy them on line from the Colonial Needle Co., but I believe some other vendors carry them, too. I think I'm using an applique needle for binding; I believe they're a bit longer than the sharps. I'm sold on Roxanne needles because I began hand quilting using whatever needles I had on hand, and when I got the Roxannes, it was so much easier!

As for threading, check out the technique about 30 seconds into this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_EjBGz5vGQ

I haven't had any trouble threading needles since I saw that. I think the Roxanne needles do have small eyes, but she also makes an excellent threader, if you have trouble threading. The higher the needle number, the shorter the needle.

I do a lot of hand stitching and generally use Roxanne's and John James needles. I like 'Sharps' , sometimes use straw or milners when I want a longer needle, also I use embroidery and crewel needles when needed. The size needle is dependent on the thread being used.

I use Roxanne size 10 sharps for hand sewing. I use the Bohin needle threader and it threads the tiny eye. I tried the Clover black needles and they break too easy for me but are very sharp. I also like the milliners size 11 for the thin long length.

When I do my bindings I use Richard Hemmings & Sons large eye needles (sharps) size 9. I have also used them for my needle turn applique. They're not hard to thread and are really sturdy.

I use embroidery needles for most of my hand sewing. I love the big eye and the way they slide thru the fabric. I bought some Japanese ones years ago that were wonderful. I can no longer find them though. I bought some Bohn and they were pretty good. I may try the John James.

Thanks, everyone.Looks like I'm going to have give Roxanne's and John James a try. Tartan, thanks for the visual--helps a lot.

I picked up a box of these Colonial milliners number 10. I like the length. My hands can't handle the short needles any more.

I prefer John James, Richard Hemmings, and Roxanne's, in that order. Sharps in a size 10 or 11. I tried straw but found they bend too easily. Can't stand the Dritz.

Another Roxanne user here. I usually just use the same betweens when hand sewing the binding. Would probably use them for any other hand sewing projects as well as they are what I have on hand. Do also agree that their treader is a must if you are using #12 size needles or a heavier weight thread. I have not been able to get any other threader manufacturer wire through those tiny eyes.

Japan is known for the quality of the steel used in making pins and needles. Never turn down needles made in Japan if you can find them. Organ sewing machine needles are made in Japan.

I tried a size 12 needle using the Bohin threader and it threaded fine. The Bohin has two sizes of wires on one threader.

Well, you've made a believer out of me with the Roxanne's. I ordered a pack of #11--and wow--very short and very sharp. I had no trouble threading it because the eye is just big enough. Thanks again for the suggestions.