Hand Quilters - What size needle?
 

What size and what brand of hand quilting needle do you find works best?

I use a size 11 or 12, John James or Richard Hemmings. But what works for me may not work for you.

Janet

Are these regular quilting needles for the betweens?

They're betweens, which are shorter than regular needles.

Janet

John James 11 usually

I like GoldEye 12.

I prefer John James No. 11, but I have also used Roxanne 11 and they are both fine for me. But as Janet already mentioned it's a matter of personal choice. IMHO it also depends on the fabrics your work with and if you have to cross many seams - it can be easier to use a bigger needle from time to time.

i generally use either John James or Roxanne needles- once in a while i use a between- but most of the time i prefer a longer needle so i use a milner or a sharp.
size 11 or 12, of course needle size does depend a little bit on the thread being used- fine thread-smaller needle- heavier thread larger needle.

John James, Betweens size 10 is my choice

Full agreement with those who choose John James brand, a size 12 produces the smallest stitches for me, but the eyes seem to be getting smaller and harder to thread--possibly my eyes are getting older?

If you are a beginning quilter I suggest you start with a #8 and work down in size until you find the size that is comfortable with you. Most beginning quilters find the #11 and #12 too small to start with.

Holice said what I was going to say - I started w/ a Size 8 and I know use a size 10. I use a between from Jeanna Kimball's Foxglove Cottage. The shaft seems to be a bit sturdier than other needles that I have used.

Definitely try a lot of needles. If you are in a quilting group- borrow from them to see what will work for you.

I use a size 12 between also. As I have gotten older, they are harder to thread, so whenever my daughter comes over she will thread a whole pkg. of quilting needles on the spool of thread for me.....so much easier!!

Try cutting the thread end at an angle - that usually works for me. Sometimes it helps if I wet the eye of the needle - it wicks the thread through.

Janet