Pudge

I met a woman who is allergic to metal. Are there any non metal needles she can use to hand quilt?

Prism99

Chances are she's not allergic to all metals, but rather to nickel. Most sewing needles are coated with nickel. It looks as if John James makes gold-plated betweens. Here is a link, but I would contact the Colonial Needle Company before purchasing to make sure that they are entirely gold-plated. Some needles have just a "gold eye",
http://www.quiltingbookspatternsandn...products/10601

Edit:
Here is a link to the John James site that shows both gold-plated and platinum-plated needles. These are imported from England, I think, but should be available in the U.S.
http://www.jjneedles.com/categories/...atinum-Plated/

Pudge

She's allergic to all metals. She can't even tolerate aluminum foil. Really a severe condition.
Back in the real old days, they probably used whale bones to stitch but I'm not thinking that's a current option. Any other out of the box ideas?

Prism99

If she can't use a titanium-coated or platinum-coated needle, then I don't think she has any other options. Bone needles would not be sharp enough for quilting.

Edit: Maybe she should consider machine quilting? Machines these days are primarily plastic so she could keep contact with metal to a minimum.

PaperPrincess

I know they make ceramic needles, but I think they are only made for machines, not hand sewing. Teflon coated maybe?

Pudge

I think she could try the "art" quilt approach instead. If someone else cuts fabric for her, she could do various collage works using glue or fusible webbing.

Quilty-Louise

My niece is highly allergic to all metals.

QuiltnNan

could she wear tight latex gloves like surgeons wear?

Pudge

Don't know, I'll ask. Good idea.

Prism99

Not sure I would recommend latex gloves. Frequent use can result in a latex allergy, which is very dangerous. But I think they make latex-free surgeon's gloves.