they are called....needle grips! I use those in beading, but had not thought about them for quilting..duh...

that is actually higher than the MSRP of $11.50 listed at my distributors site

I've never used it, but I know some quilters who use it all the time.
We call it (Translated Dutch) : a needle puller.
Yes, we are very original LOL.

Oh. I stand corrected. :P LOL!
Jan in VA

I use my scissors to pull needles - not the cutting part but the part near the handles. When you close down it acts like pliers. This is my small thread cutting scissors. You always have them near you (unless you use thread clippers).

I keep a piece of non-slip shelf liner handy to pull the needle when it sticks. I use the same stuff in a larger piece to open jars.

I never need pliers or tweezers. I bought a cheap box of latex gloves at a medical supply store. I cut the index, middle, and ring finger off a glove. I put one of those latex finger on my index finger. I never gave any problem with pulling the through the sandwich

that needle puller is cool, not sure I would use it, but is really cool :D

I could see myself using it, that would mean I'd have to do some hand sewing. Hmm, that would go against my motto of sewing everything including buttons by machine. LOL

Well, did you ever?