I love to embroider and stitch all kinds of things, and I love sharing my passions and process with others. I've taught online classes and have heard from many people that it was my tutorials that got them started. And still, every once in a while, I think, "I hope they don't find out that I don't know what I'm doing."
Lest you lose all confidence in me, I will say that I've probably earned at least some right to pass on my knowledge, through reading books on stitching (old and new), studying the embroidery work of others, and learning first hand from my grandma. I just don't take it too seriously. My non-technical needle guide will prove that.
There are a shocking number of needle types. Honestly. And my first thought is to just grab whatever is closest. Then I get started and realize that oh yeah, some needles are more suited than others for certain kinds of stitching. I've even shared a little about this before. But today, I thought I'd go into a little more detail. Sort of. This is my list of three-ish favorite needles for embroidery, English paper piecing, hand sewing, and hand quilting.
This one is small.
A long, skinny, sharp needle with a small eye is my choice for joining hexagons for EPP. I find that it is good for grabbing only the fabric and not the paper, which makes a big difference in the speed of your work.
This one is big.
A needle with some heft and a large eye is my choice for any time I need to use perle cotton. It's great for hand quilting because it holds up when going through a lot of layers. Going bigger still makes it possible to use yarn.
This one is just right.
A needle that is medium in thickness, but has a large eye, is my choice for most everything else. Embroidery, basting EPP shapes, hand sewing, and more, are what I use this for. Sometimes I use a sharp needle for felt or if I need to go through paper or interfacing, sometimes I use a ball point needle for when I don't want to poke my fingers too much. Sometimes I'm just not particular.
There are technical names and sizes for all of these (sewing, chenille, embroidery, tapestry), but when I need a needle, if it looks approximately right, I go with it.
No fancy rules here...just stitching for enjoyment!
Where do you buy your needles?
ReplyDeleteComing from a long line of crafty folks, I have tons of needles around, plus Dritz and DMC have sent me some. When I do buy needles they are usually counted cross stitch/tapestry needles and I get them at either JoAnn or Hobby Lobby.
DeleteThanks! I usually use "tapestry needles" too, but I was curious about you.
DeleteI also do not fuss too much about needle size or brand, I just use what size looks right, and when I had to buy more, I took one I liked to the craft store and purchased more of that size. :-) If you need some needles for yarn, I was taught (3rd grade) to embroider with yarn, canvas (rice bag) and big plastic needles that I have seen at Joanns in the past. :-)
ReplyDeleteYah! The Mother is very happy with your stitching guide as it is just what she does but is usually too embarrassed to say. Now she is happy as someone famous says it! Yipee!
ReplyDeleteOooh these is an awesome break down.
ReplyDeleteI just need all my needles to have large eyes! Easier to thread. Glad to see I am not the only one to grab the nearest and change if it ain't workin!
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