What size needle do all you hand quilters use?
 

What size works the best for our quilting experts? I've always thought it was easier to make smaller stitches with a smaller needle, but sometimes I have trouble with needles bending.

I am not an expert....merely a persistent plodder:). I use a size 12 and yes over time my needles bend, but I don't think that is unusual. I do try and buy the best available.

I use a size 10. The brands are not all alike. I bought a different brand size 10 and it was bigger than I normally use. Try several sizes and brands till you find the one that you like.

I use to use millners needles, the finest possible like a size 8 or 10. When I couldn't find them anymore I used a size 8 of whatever brand I could find. I liked German needles the best. I never found one that did not bend. My personal theory is the heat from our hands bends them.

I use a 12. Sometimes they do bend because they are so small and thin. Just get another new one and keep going.ha. You can get smaller stitches. I also keep a loose quilt too.

I generally use a size 10. I am not looking to get the tiniest stitches ever. I am looking to get the project done! My stitches are nice and even and that is really what counts unless you are looking to win prizes. For something very special - a smaller size needle ( say a 12) will result in smaller stitches once you get the hang of it.

tried to reply and the site keeps crashing. Wow, so that finally went through.

Just like with anything and everything else, use what you are comfortable with and what works for you.
Mom used a short sharp. She had dainty fingers. My old washer-woman fingers can't even hold onto a short needle.

I use a #9 It fits my fingers nicely.
I start my students in hand quilting with a #8 then recommend getting smaller as they gain confidence and skill. until they find the one that works best.

I use golden eye coated needles. I buy a pack and use each until they bend too much or break from straightening them. I have used a small pair of needle nose pliers to hold the needle sometimes and a spoon underneath. My hands don't work very well sometimes and I'm tooo pigheaded to stop.

I use the shortest needles, a #11, but not the thinnest one. Some brands offer a very thin #12 and this is not sturdy enough for my hands.

A few years ago I learned that the right needle's size also depends on the method you use. On a fair I had the opportunity to watch a lady from Australia demonstrating hand quilting and she used very long and thin appliqué needles! The result was breathtaking....