Binding thread and needle questions
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 122
Binding thread and needle questions
I am hand sewing the binding on a quilt...one of my favorite parts of quilting. Today has been beyond frustrating. I don't have a specific needle size that I use and today started using one that was like putting a nail spike through the fabric. I changed to a better one, but maybe there is something better. I also have never had trouble with thread like I did today. I was using a dual purpose thread that knotted and felt bumpy even though it is new thread. So...What size needle do you use and what kind of thread??? I really, really appreciate your comments. Today it is cold in Ohio and I loved having the quilt on my lap as I sewed but I was frustrated!
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: SW Michigan
Posts: 5,221
Sherri from A Quilting Life posted a YouTube video on Thursday on hand stitching your binding down and she used binding needles from Primitive Gatherings.
And when I have trouble pulling my needle through my binding I drop my needle so It can unwind.
And when I have trouble pulling my needle through my binding I drop my needle so It can unwind.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Ballwin, MO
Posts: 4,271
I use my Roxanne applique needle, and prefer using Presencia 50 wt. thread for binding, as it seems really strong. Last time I used some of the Superior Threads hand quilting thread because it was the best color match, even though it is thicker. I also use Thread Heaven thread conditioner.
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,548
I love John James embroidery needles for sewing binding. They have a larger eye for easy threading but are super sharp. I use whatever thread is a good match to the binding mostly a polyester blend . It slides nicely and is strong. I use one strand that I use a split knot to lock it on my needle so it doesn’t unthread.
#7
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 9,782
I also use embroidery needles. I find they slide thru the fabric well and, as Tartan says, they have a large eye for easy threading and a very sharp point. I also like the slightly longer length. I usually use a cotton thread but have used whatever is on hand that matches. I have a couple of Thread Heaven conditioners around that I use to help keep the thread from tangling. Discovering that was a huge help to me.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,585
I bind quilts professionally and let me tell you, the binding needles from Primitive Gatherings are a game-changer. I won't use any other needle. For thread, I usually use Bottom Line, it's strong but very fine and nobody can see my stitches.
Regarding your description of "putting a nail spike through the fabric"... I have actually used a needle so much I wore the coating off of it. I realized I was getting drag on the needle, swapped it out for a new one, what a difference! Like a hot knife through butter.
And seriously - treat yourself and buy the binding needles.
Regarding your description of "putting a nail spike through the fabric"... I have actually used a needle so much I wore the coating off of it. I realized I was getting drag on the needle, swapped it out for a new one, what a difference! Like a hot knife through butter.
And seriously - treat yourself and buy the binding needles.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 1,825
There recently was a thread about threading needles that addressed the thing of the "warp" of thread. When I have tangling issues, I usually find I have knotted the wrong end of the thread and it's going into the fabric "backward". It should be used as it came off the spool.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 706
I love John James embroidery needles for sewing binding. They have a larger eye for easy threading but are super sharp. I use whatever thread is a good match to the binding mostly a polyester blend . It slides nicely and is strong. I use one strand that I use a split knot to lock it on my needle so it doesn’t unthread.