I purchased some expensive hand quilting needles, and popped two in one day. The package reads "Does not bend easily. The ultimatge balance between hardness and flexibility." I thought I was getting something that would last me a very long time. The owner of the LQS (50 miles from home) said I should never have to buy another quilting needle unless I loose these. Package also reads Pierces Smoothly through fabric. Black Gold Needles... They might pierce smoothly but sorta drags. My usual quilt needles cost about $1.85 for 20 needles, about 9 cents each.These were $5.50 for 6 needles, about 91 cents each. The owner of the shop is going to give me store credit. Think I'll rush on over (50 miles) for that store credit. I am pretty sure this was just a bad batch.

How frustrating!

Thanks for the warning.

Why couldn't she just mail you some good needles?

Really.
If you ever need needles, email me i will mail you some.

Seriously.

Bettia

I have always preferred John James..or the Colonial!

They were Clovers and did this????? Weird, for sure.

Jan in VA

I have had needles break on me too, and it is really a pain! I have used John James, Dritz (which I hate), DMC, Piecemakers, and Clover gold eye. I find most will bend eventually, if not break, so I just change them. I always buy at Joann's when quilting notions are 50% off and stock up. I think I like John James best and Clover gold eye needles (I have size 10's) bend the easiest. They aren't that much considering you get about 20 or so in a package, so if I go thru a few each quilt, I'm not bothered.

How frustrating can that be. I use Dritz Quilting Needles.

Oops, didn't mean to post twice.

I am using an embroidery hoop to hand quilt also. It takes such a long time.

it was nice of the LQS to give you a store credit. but going 50 miles is not worth the gas! i hope she'll allow you time to get that credit until the next time you happen to go that way.

I bought those needles too. I don't like them and you are right. They drag and are very hard to use.

Sybil

How strange is that? I don't think I have ever broken a needle while hand quilting. But maybe that is because I usually lose them before they break. LOL

Having owned businesses in the past, I would have just popped a replacement package and/or another package of your choice in the mail immediately.....especially with you living an hours drive away. One thing I learned is that the majority of customers do not complain UNLESS there is a VALID reason to do so.

You would be driving 100 miles. I don't know what kind of milage you get on your vehicle. But it would cost at least $15- to drive that distance in my 4 cylindar (Ford Ranger) pick up. I would chalk it up to experience. I have been useing the same needle and have hand quilted 40 quilts and the needle is still going stong. I have no idea what brand it is but it is great.

John James Golden glide are great! They also come in a "big-eye" version. They're strong and they slip through the fabric easily.

Jeana Kimballs are the ones I really like. When we had a small quilt store, they were the ones customers requested.
http://www.trinityquilts.com/item.ph...ategory_id=112

My sister gave me a pac of these as a gift. She bought them at a quilt show she was at. I ended up breaking 3 of them. I like the thinness of them but they do kinda of drag.

I found I broke more (or bent them) when I had my quilt sandwich too tight in the hoop. When I use the hoop with the quilt very loose and pliable, I don't have as much trouble. I put the hoop on with the tightener set on a loose setting at first, then stick my fist thru the middle from the back side until I am happy that the quilt is loose enough in the hoop, then I tighten the hoop to hold the quilt so it doesn't slip.

What about contacting the manufacturer and asking them to send you another package. Tell them how far away you are from the store. You never know!

they are the 2 I also like to use.

Hope I don't end up with some of them. Sorry for you
inconvenience.