Battle Axe

Transition time. Coming in from the yard work and garden, I haven't picked up a needle since I can't remember when. But I need to hand sew the binding on this one and my hand cramped up terrible. I was using a John James for hand quilting and I think it needs to be longer?? What does everyone else use?

indycat32

I use hand applique needles -- long and thin. The ones I'm currently using are Fons and Porter

Battle Axe

Thanks, I'll look for those.

Sync

I love my John James Gold ‘n Glide appliqué needles, size 11, and I just tried the Hiroshima appliqué needles, size 10, they might become a favorite too. Great for sewing down binding.

Jingle

I no longer hand sew anything. I sew bindings on only by machine. My hands cramp up, not very pleasant.

quiltingshorttimer

I've had to go to a fairly small needle to get it to slide through the binding/backing well and find that a shorter one helps too. But I also know that I can't do handwork when I've been out gardening or mowing--my hands hurt too much after that!

Murphy224

I use Richard Hemming & Son large eye milliners size 10 or 11 needles made in England. They are long (about 1.5 inches) and thin and super sharp. Easy to hold on to and just glide through fabric. A friend told me about them and I have bought no other kind since.

Battle Axe

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts. I did find one needle that was a bit longer than the sharps I was using and it sure does work better. It however is a little dull on the point. The stores are open tomorrow and I"ll stock up.
Today is my 74th birthday!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, the cat (age 13, Maine Coon...blue smoke tuxedo)...already gave me the first present. A lovely long and skinny hairball, barfed up on the clean sheets I had laid on the bed. Looks like she ate a hairy snake. How did she know?? It was so appropriate!

MicheleC

Happy Birthday! Your cat must love you dearly to leave you such a gift on your birthday. I hope the clean up wasn’t too laborious. ☺️

Battle Axe

Thanks. All bedding now washed and dried....again. Over the past week, I have given Bootsie 4 appointments with the clippers. She looks good and hopefully, that is the last hairball for a while.