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If using a needle threader besure and use round eye needles or John James needles. Took me awhile to learn to read the instructions on the package of threader.
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What I have learned...I've tried just about every needle on the market I think. I use Roxanne needles - usually 11's or 12's. The only threader to use (particularly with 12's) is the Roxanne threaders - they hold up much better. As others have said, start threading with the end of thread farthest from the spool. Sometimes a slant definetly helps. I also really like Americana thread but it is a bit bulky. I also use Thread Heaven thread conditioner before threading my needle. Prefer it much more than beeswax. Keeps the tangles down to a dull roar also. If I set the thread aside for a bit I will re-condition. Good luck. Don't worry about stitch size just try to get consistent stitches. It will all come with time.
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love all the tips
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I love mettlers waxed hand quilting thread I have tried several brands and this one is at the top of my list. YLI is my second choice.
John James quilting needles( (I don't care for the big eye) Roxanne are excellent. A new quilter I start my class off with a size 8 and when they are comfortable with it I suggest they change to a size 9 or 10. Thread your needle then cut your thread and knot it. Clover has the most wonderful little" Desk Needle Threader" cost 14.00 .I had a blind gentleman (he was a quilter) in the Qs he was sharing that his family had to thread his needles I workded with him a short time and he left so excited He could thread his own needles with the Desk Needle T. Good Luck! |
I use a #11 Big Eye Quilting needle by John James. However, you would need a needle threader for that, also. I bought a desk top needle theader from my LQS and it's my most used tool. Well worth the $15 (???).
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Just a note - the desk threaders do not work with the Roxanne needles in my experience. In fact I think I got a whopping 3 other needles threaded with it before it broke. I'd rather spend half the $$ and buy the Roxanne threaders. Won't be buying a desk threader ever again in my lifetime.
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Originally Posted by ptquilts
have you tried a needle threader? Maybe you need a thinner thread?
I wish I could show you how I thread a needle, my MIL used to think it was so weird. I have the thread (end moistened) between my thumb and index finger of left hand, nails almost touching, then roll them open so thread end is exposed while holding needle eye right next to it. Does that make any sense? in other words I do not poke the thread at the needle. |
I've noticed over the years that if a LQS sells machines, they rarely sell hand quilting supplies. Glad to read on this board that so many are coming back to doing hand quilting.
Originally Posted by Kitsie
How timely! I've just been to 2 quilt shops today looking at hand-quilting. Joann's has a very poor selection and no hand-quilting thread unless you want Mettler or Sulkey. (sp?) metallic or embroidery. I did at the other store find John James Big Eye and saw the Hammond Big Eye. Got the Jon James. At the 20 for $2 I decided I'd try them first. Could not believe that the spiffy little LQS in out town doesn't even have any hand-quilting needles!! And no thread!
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I like John James big eye needles. I get them at the LQS.
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I use the John James golden eye needles plus a needle threader
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