What is a "tween" needle for hand quilting?
 

I want to try my hand (and fingers) at hand quilting but don't know which needle and thread to use. Have heard of a " tween" needle. I am sure someone on this board can help me. You always do.

Tween- is a smaller needle for hand quilting

Here is some information that may help :

http://quilting.about.com/od/handpie...r-Quilters.htm

I use a size 10 tween

They're betweens.

I bought one package each of 10s, 11 and 12s when I first started hand quilting ( a long time ago) and I still have needles in each size. Using the smallest needle you are comfortable with is helpful in learning to make very small, even stitches. Honestly, in my experience, consistent size and spacing is more important than tiny stitches, so just start out trying to be consistent, then work on honing the size.

RST

I'd like to thank those of you who replied with pertinent information. It is very helpful.

The best thread for hand quilting is YLI. I use a #10 for piecing and quilting. The small sizes (#11) are just too small for my arthritic hands.

If you are hand quilting for the first time then start with a #7 or 8 and work down as you become comfortable. Don't make it hard on yourself trying to use the smallest until you get the rhythm of hand quilting. Then #9, 10, 11 etc with #12 being the smallest. And stop at the one that fits your hand and fingers the best..Don't try to use the smallest just because someone told you that yu have to.