Needles

Whether you are using a 'counted' fabric or not, regardless, the needle you use should go through easily and without distorting said fabric.

I use a #28 all the time. I usually work on 32 count. My current project is another view of the universe, part of the Eagle nebula, taken by the Hubble telescope; the picture, donwloaded from the Internet, and just put through Pattern Maker at one pixel per stitch and 90 colors.

One reason there's no definitive chart is that there is no reason you can't use a smaller needle than "standard". Unless there's a problem with fitting the fiber through the eye, I use a 28 for almost everything.

Actually, there are exceptions such as ribbon embroidery, where the needle needs to be large enough so that the ribbon has lots of room and little fabric abrasion. And I can think of other occasions where you are using chunky thread and must open up the fabric a bit. Crewel is another example, as is Mountmellick. Good fabric will spring right back.

Most of the time, however, the eye of the needle needs to be large enough to accommodate the thread comfortably. That's the main guideline. But then again, it also depends upon your dexterity and your hand size. I've known excellent embroiderers who prefer milliners rather than crewel or sharps because it fits their hands.

Dianne

Like Jim I use a smaller (28) needle most of the time... with one exception. If the needle falls out of the fabric before I can reach around and grab it, I use a bigger needle.

No. :) Helpful, I know, but....

Much of needle selection is personal preference, with a leavening of fabric/thread interaction. Use whatever size needle you feel comfortable with, although you don't want to use a needle that's too large for the fabric (it will distort the fabric, and be harder to get through holes with thread in them already) or one that's too small for the thread (it will fray and wear the thread).

I generally use a 26 on most of my cross stitch projects (one or two strands of floss in the needle, 14-18 spi). For needlepoint, I tend to use more needle sizes, but I'm also working with a much wider range of threads (anywhere from 1/2 ply of silk floss to a 1/4' ribbon).

jenn

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net WIP: Poppies (Art-Stitch), two knitted tops, Oriental Butterfly Most recently Finished: Floral Sampler, Insect Sampler

I want pictures of the piece with the 1/4' (foot!!) ribbon! *ducking and running and grinning*

Pat I'm also working with a much wider range > of threads (anywhere from 1/2 ply of silk floss to a 1/4' ribbon). >

Whooops! (new keyboard, apparently the shift key doesn't react the same way on this one as the other one.....)

Although, I do have a piece that I edged with 2-1/2" ribbon. Does that count?

jenn

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net WIP: Poppies (Art-Stitch), two knitted tops, Oriental Butterfly Most recently Finished: Floral Sampler, Insect Sampler

LOL!

That's pretty much what I've realized, but I figured it couldn't help to make sure I hadn't missed someone's chart or something.

I should probably pick up a few more sizes, just to play a bit.

Thanks! Allura