Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Stitcher's needles

Embroidery needles - how long are they, exactly?
Hey, so this is turning into a proper mini series of 'stitcher's tools'! This week let's talk about needles. I once wondered about the exact size of needles. And then I measured them. Not geeky at all, right? ;-)

I normally use a size 7 crewel/embroidery needle. It just feels right for the work I do. It has a nice length and the head has the right size for the number of strands I use. I mostly work with 2 strands of floss, but obviously, if I work on a project where I use more - or a different type of thread - I would use a needle that was appropriate for that.

What kind of needles do you use? What size do you use? Do you swear by a particular brand?


9 comments:

  1. My favourite is a Bohin #5 crewel needle. To big for anything very delicate, but they're great to work with. (And I do a fair bit with crewel wool, so it works out.)

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  2. I like John James embroidery needles. Not sure what size they are but they're definitely sharp!

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  3. Sharps number #8 John James are probably the best I've used but frankly I've got so many different types of needle I just grab whatever I think will do the job.

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    1. I used to grab any needle too - until I started paying attention to what one I actually preferred. And since then I just buy those so that's basically all there is to grab. ;-)

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  4. I use whatever came in the various embroidery/cross stitch kits I've purchased in the past. Yeah, I'm that person who never pays attention to things like needle brand or size. That would be like work :D

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  5. I know I'm doing it wrong, and I'll probably lose my stitchers cred for this, I've never admitted it to anyone before, but... I never use sharp needles for embroidery. Ever. I always use tapestry needles, either a size 22 or 24. Eeeeeek! Is that bad? Lol... I just like the way the slide through the fabric better, and I never get poked. It's a win-win for me :)

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    1. If it works for you - you're not doing anything wrong! That's my opinion anyway. :-)

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  6. I have just ordered some size 11 and size 12 sharps from JJneedles who gave excellent customer service. I am still trying to find the perfect needle for me but I do miniature embroidery on fine silk. I have found that embroidery needles allow the silk floss I use to slip out of the eye far too easily,

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