rwquilts

When I took a class on needle turn hand applique, the lady who taught the class also recommended silk thread, but she also said this..."if you do applique right, you should be able to use any color thread and it won't show"...I found that silk thread breaks easily and I wanted my projects to be sturdier, so I have used other threads, but by taking tiny stitches the way she taught me, they all work beautifully! Enjoy your time learning and absorb all you can and you will find your own "comfort" and style once you know the basics!

sewobsessed1

No, straw is a kind of needle made by many different companies :)

QuiltE

So it's the "style/type? and not the brand .... I've become interested in needles lately, as mine have just been the run of the mill type. Not that I do applique, but of course, miles of binding!

wickn34

What is a straw needle?

quiltbuddy

Straw needles are easier to thread if you have one of those plastic hand sewing neeedle threader things. I think they're made by Clover. I bought mine at JoAnn Fabric.

pbreon

This is exactly the way I was taught... you will find the needle will handle better than a stiff needle... the straw needle is flexible and helps you get under the fabric as you turn the fabric.... the silk thread does hide into the fabric and is strong to allow you to pick up less fabric as you turn.... I love to applique and i think I found my "nitch" when I first learned this, from my sweet DIL... give it a good try, you may like it!!!

quiltwiz

A lot of people use silk thread as it is so fine ( 60 or 80 or 100 wt) that it just melts into the fabric and becomes invisible, which you want when doing needle turn applique. I don't like it only because it tangles on me. I know that the way to avoid that is to use a length no more than 18 inches long. I prefer to use 60 wt. mettler cotton embroidery thread. It also becomes invisible when the stitch is done correctly. Take her up on her offer to teach you and do as she suggests. Once you learn the technique, if you are not happy with the materials that she suggested, then you can experiment on your own. I simply love needle turn applique and have taught many others to love it too.

daisydebby

I also use YLI silk thread and love it because it virtually disappears as you needle turn. The above statement is absolutely correct....you can use any thread...just take small stitches. I don't use a straw needle as I find it's too long for me. Have fun, the finished project will be beautiful. I've got several quilt tops going right now. For the 1st time I'm experimenting on the starch method....you can then hand or machine applique. I'm stitching by hand, may try machine for another project. It takes FOREVER to get ready, but, wow, I have an entire top ready in separate baggies and can pick up whenever I want. HAVE FUN:)

dixiechunk

At the risk of sounding like the quilt police, my advice would be to follow your teacher's advice and instructions.
What's the point in getting someone to show you how to do something and then not listening to what they have to say? You might as well teach yourself. You don't need to got out and buy 25 spools of silk thread to start with, just a couple; and it's not like straw needles cost an arm and a leg. Try her way and then make your own modifications later on.

QuiltswithConvicts

I use Jenna Kimbell (Foxglove Cottage) needles - Straw size 9. They are the finest needles I've every used. Strong, but slick as a whistle for slipping into the fabric. If your LQS doesn't have them, here is the link. I bought 5 pkgs. of her size nine embroiderys at $3.00 per package. S&H was $3.50. Shot them to me in the mail. I just ordered 5 packages of straws while I was there getting the link. I should have them by Wednesday as she ships so quickly!

http://www.jeanakimballquilter.com/store/