Carol W

This is my first handpieced handquilted project.

I'm having a hard time with the needle. It's very hard to move through the fabric.

I know that people who hand quilt use betweens. I've tried switching needles, but I'm still having a very hard time. The needle doesn't seem to glide through the fabric.

Tippy

What size needle are you using? I do most of my piecing by hand, and I have found that the finer and shorter the needle the easier it is to stitch and the faster it goes..also the smaller my stitches are. I use a #12 quilters between for all of my quilting and piecing. Even then you get some difference in thickness of needle and "slickness" yep some needles seem to drag a bit going through the fabric.. And I'm always trying new needles. The latest and one of the best I've found are Jeana Kimball's Foxglove Cottage
Betweens/Quilting size 12.

Carol W

Thank you Tippy.

Where would I find that brand of needle?

Ninnie

Can you post a pic of it? What kind of batting are you suing?

Ninnie

Carol W

I haven't even gotten to the batting yet. I'm still just piecing the tablerunner.

It's a little frustrating that the needle doesn't slide easily through the fabric.

Kara

For piecing, you may find it easier to use a longer needle, I do... I also find it easier to quilt with a longer needle.

Make sure you're using something nice and sharp and thin, too.

I've used applique sharps and milliner's needles.

Carol W

I have quite a few needles. I'll have to get them all out and look at them again.

Thanks all!!! :)

Tippy

I got my needles at the local quilt shop.. Roosters in Maryville, tn. Here's a link to her site. http://www.jeanakimballquilter.com/

Ninnie

Is your fabric cotton?

k3n

Ninnie - you beat me too it - I was going to ask about the fabric!

I hand piece with an appliqué needle too BTW.

K x