Anyone hand tie quilts? If so, what needle do you use. I've only been finding those blunt needles and they are killers to work with. Any help would be much appreciated.

I use the biggest needles I can find with a point. All sizes depending on if you use embroider thread to tie or yarn. My group uses the crochet thread #9 and up that coms on a roll in a ball. Easy to use and goes a long way. If you look you can find packages of large needles like 5 to a pack. I made a little needle holder out of folded felt to keep them separate so I could find them to tie. Have fun

I tie mine with yarn and therefore use a needle that is meant for needle work like crewel. This needle has a large eye and a sharp point. You usually find them in the crafting/needlework section of a craft store.

Sounds like you are using a tapestry (or darning) needle. Look for a crewel (or embroidery) needle instead. They have a sharp point and a large eye.

I use the upholstery needles we use to baste our quilts, I find the bite they take is just right for the thread. I use crochet thread and its a lot prettier than the yarn. Since normally thats all I do do to quilts, have done a few. I am not a quilter as I have learned.

Rita

I use Crewel needles and Pearle cotton floss. Big eyes and strong pretty colors!

I learn something new every day, thanks for starting this thread

When I hand tie a quilt I use the 3 inch doll needles,they have a sharp enough point on them and your measuring to do your ties are already done for you. I also use embroidery floss,tie over then under and the knots will not come out. Have you tried tying with knots to the back of the quilt,this looks pretty good.

idon't hand tie,but my machine has a bar-tack stitch that works great.saves lots of time,just clip threads between tacks

Whomever taught you that you are not a quilter because you tie is wrong. Technically the definition of quilting is any means used to keep the layers of top, batting and backing together. So if you tie, do crows footing, traditional running stitch or machine quilt, we are ALL quilters. Anyone who says a tied quilt is not a "real" quilt and those who tie are not quilters really makes me angry. Who ordained them the authority to deem someone a quilter or not. GRRRR :-(

I use the sharpest needle I have with the largest eye to accomodate what ever I'm using to tie it with. I like to use either a crochet cotton, or the embroidery floss... not the floss actually, the one that's rolled in a ball... I forget what it's actually called.... heavier than embroidery floss , not as slippery, sold in the same area.... you know what it is...
I never warmed up to the look of yarn...

When you tie, do you use a curved needle or a straight needle? Or is it just personal preference?

I use a curved needle and they Usually come in packs of four (2 dufferent sizes). I also use pearl cotton.

Use the curved needles, they are awesome! Very sharp, large enough eye for just about anything you want to use and they help reduce strain on your hands. I only use the curved needles when I tie quilts. The best thing is that you don't have to flip the quilt back and forth. I thread the needle with a pretty long length of (usually embroidery) thread, and working from the top, I take a bite of the quilt, draw the thread through, leave long tails and cut. I place all my "ties" at once, then go back and tie them....assembly line style, I guess.