Ok, so I'm learning applique. So far I like it, but I'm sure I'lllike it better using a good needle instead of a regular sewingneedle. I'm finding it very hard to push the needle through thefabric!Tell me what your favorite applique needle is! What about yourfavorite piecing needle? And your favorite quilting needle? Theseare all hand needles - not machine!Dannielle

For hand quilting (on the rare occasion) I like John James #12betweens. For applique and piecing, no idea where my favorite camefrom, but it's very thin and slightly longer than a quilting needle(not as thin as a beading or straw needle though).Roberta in D

I'm sure they were also called straw needles because starting in the18th century, up through the beginning of the 20th century, braidedstraw was one of the main ingredients of hats. The long braid had tobe sewn together in coils, using a very fine needle.Roberta in D

Favorite Hand Needles?

Feb 04, 2009 25 Replies

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Roberta 17 years ago

I'm sure they were also called straw needles because starting in the

18th century, up through the beg>Let me impress you with the notes from my little needle guide. Better yet,

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AuntK 17 years ago

Jeanne - thanks for that link. They seem better prices. DH just supplied me with a nice stash of needles/threaders/pencils at Christmas but I'll definite be bookmarking this site.

Kim in NJ

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Dee in Oz 17 years ago

My favourite would have to be 'Thimbleladys'' applique needles.

Dee in Oz

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teleflora 17 years ago

I use straw needles for hand piecing. You can get a bunch of stitches on there. I also use 50 wt Aurefil thread. A really fine thread that is strong and doesn't twist on me.

I tend to bend the needles, but they still work.

Cindy

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Dannielle 17 years ago

I'm ready each and every reply, and making a chart of notes! Don't think by my being quiet that I'm not paying attention to the responses!!!

Thanks to everyone for their help!

Dannielle

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Patti (formerly) in Seattle 17 years ago

Hi Dannielle I love applique too - I hope you enjoy it. More often than not, I use John James #3/9 Milliners - they are great needles, thin, and glide through fabric beautifully. I use silk thread too - wonderful to work with.

Patti (formerly) in Seattle

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