Pam Riggs

Which is the best size quilting needle to use? I have a 12 but I can't seem to pick up enought material to do any more than 1 stitch at a time. Need help please.

scraphq

The best needle size is one that you can handle easily and do the kind of stitching you desire. Small needles do not necessarily produce small stitches. I have been hand quilting for many years and find that #7 betweens work best for me. I have packs of all the smaller sizes and they bend and break for me. Experiment and use the needle you are most comfortable with.

Jan in VA

Are you a new handquilter?
Are your hands/fingers compromised in any way? .... Arthritis/carpel tunnel/nerve damage
Are you using a very thin cotton or wool batting and good quality quilting cottons?

All these will affect your ability to handle the tiny size 12 needle. Many people start with a larger needle (smaller number, isn't that weird?) until they become adept at the stitch, maybe many quilts later.

I, who have been handquilting for many, many years, use a larger needle because I can't feel the needle in my hand with the nerve damage I have. My stitches are about 9 to the inch even with the larger needle.

We never started beginners on the #12 needle unless they were regular handwork sewers.

Jan in VA

Pam Riggs

Thanks so much. I didn't realize how small this needle was until I got home. I freaked!

Pam Riggs

Thanks

Holice

i use #8 between and recommend starting with a #7 and work down in size to the one that works best. It is not true that the smaller the needle the finer the stitches. As Jan as said, a lot depends on one's ability - hand and finger size, qult you are working on etc.
Don't buy the assorted size that are #5-whatever or a #7 to whatever. You will probably use only one or two and put away the rest for sewing on buttons. The only assorted pack I recommend is the one I believe by Thomas that is #8-#12 but can't find them at many places. At least this assorted pack has all the sizes you are most likely to use.
I also prefer those made in England and not Japan as I believe the English needles are stronger and do not bend as easy. However, many sware by the Japanese needles. Also brands are a mis conception as I understand most from amy country come from the same factory. And the designer needles (recommended by a famous quilter) are not always the best. I do know that one such needle is the same as the one sold under Colonial. So the bettom line is find one that works for you. I should have added that while I started with a #7 and then an 8, I stopped at a #9 because i fits my hand.

Iamquilter

Find what works for you and you are comfortable with. I use a #9 anything smaller and I break them to easily.

quiltsRfun

Another problem I have is whether the point is sharp and slender. I have some needles that just don't work for me because the points are to short. I also like a longer needle. Couldn't tell you the size or type that I'm using cause it was in a packet of needles I had with my sewing supplies.

Pam Riggs

thanks - everyone has been helpful.

Linda E

I am currently using Piecemaker needles, sz 12, but depending on the thickness of the batting for the quilt, I use 9s or 10s. The problem with being able to get more than one stitch could be your thimble. Make sure you have a really good one.