I use #20 embroid. needles for tying my quilt with crochet cotton. I wax the needles, but they do seem to "dull" fairly quickly. Does anyone know of a way to sharpen them? I've seen the 'pad' from Clotilde on here, but when I check their site, it is no longer available.

Much appreciated if you can help.

Do they still make the 'strawberry' that used to come with the 'tomato' pincushion? That was supposed to sharpen your pins and needles.

Yes they do I just bought one at WM last week.

Rub them over fine steel wool, that hhelps some.

I use the strawberry but I also learned to scratch it over my head. Sounds silly, but it works!

The oil from your scalp and hair is transferred to the pins.I also will CAREFULLY rub the open blades of my scissors over my hair to lightly oil them so they work better.

Say what??!! Just rub it on your scalp?

Do the 'strawberries' have sand it them? I don't have one at present.

OK, so the scalp oil lubricates them. I use a candle for that, but the points are getting dull. I'll try the strawberry. Worried about taking the finish off with steel wool ?? Is it a problem?

I really don't know if it takes the finish off. I would think not. I"m talking the very very fine steel wool, it is used for the finishing rub on furniture finishes to remove any dust particles. It doesn"t leave any marks. But, if the finish does come off, you are probably going to throw away a dull needle anyway.