Your stitches ARE beautiful. Thanks for the tip...arthritis is taking its toll on my hand strength also.

I totally agree. I use the same technique, but not in quilting.

I use these, too - for caning chairs and quilting.

Your quilting is beautiful. I was going to suggest the needle puller but so many others already have. In any case, your stitches are beautiful!!!

I too love looking at the beautiful stitches, but love the tip as well. Thanks for sharing

I use a pair of old tweezers. For me, they work better because they aren't so bulky as needle nose pliers. I tried a pair of hemostats like we used to use in the dental office, but they had a locking mechanism on the handle and it kept snapping closed, so became a headache to use. I remember my grandmother would grip the needle with her fingers and tug, sometimes 2-3 times to get the needle thru. My fingers simply will not grip the needle. So my tweezers, needle threader, thimble, and small embroidery scissors live on the quilt top for ready access.

I thought exactly the same.

I have these too. I also have little scissors that the drs use to cut threat. Very sharp.

Didn't know the industry put a name on your stitch count. But you are right, getting them equal is hard, and I"m still practicing. I just don't know how to get the under stitch as equal as the top. Hopefully that will come with time. Right now I count somewhere between 10-12/inch, but as a member told me, the count will be different depending on the thickness and that I have found. I put too many on that tiny needle, I have to use something to get the needle out. I'm just amazed as to how each quilter uses different tools.

I use the clots. They are thin rubber finger tips. Great for gripping. Don't scratch the needle. Thanks for another idea that works too.