What needle for hand sewing binding?
#1
What needle for hand sewing binding?
It's no secret I hate hand sewing ((shudder)) - even sewing buttons on by machine if I can - but I do hand sew some quilt bindings. I just prefer the look of them, so grit my teeth and get on with it.
I've read a bit about different types - sharps, betweens, etc, but no idea of what I should be using, or indeed size............ What type of needle is best?
(A Magic Needle suggestion that would do the sewing for you would be great!)
Also, I just use ordinary piecing thread, usually Aurifil. Should I be using coated quilting thread?
Thanks folks.
I've read a bit about different types - sharps, betweens, etc, but no idea of what I should be using, or indeed size............ What type of needle is best?
(A Magic Needle suggestion that would do the sewing for you would be great!)
Also, I just use ordinary piecing thread, usually Aurifil. Should I be using coated quilting thread?
Thanks folks.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Heart of Colorado's majestic mountains!
Posts: 6,026
I like to do hand sewing. My go to needle is the 'between' or quilting needle. I use the size 7 or 9. I thread up several at the same time for convenience. It is short and easy to manage as I do binding. I use a thread length of about 18 inches so that it is easy on my arm as I pull it through (also saves time because I don't have to pull so far). It also minimizes shredding the thread because of too many trips through the fabric. I like to do a non-visible knot every ten or twelve stitches so that if the thread breaks later with wear or snag that it won't come out very far. I also prefer to use a cotton wrapped poly thread to sew the binding down because it is stronger than 100% cotton. I think the biggest mistake people make in regard to hand sewing is unsing needles that are too large.
#3
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
For sewing the binding I use whatever needle is handy at the time. Granted, that's usually a between as I hand quilt, but sometimes not. Sometimes I use hand quilting thread, sometimes just general sewing thread...whatever is the correct color for what I'm sewing.
As to mending (sewing buttons, etc.) I hate that! But for all purpose hand sewing, I use any general hand sewing needle that is close to the correct size for the job. Now that really didn't help much, did it? Sorry.
As to mending (sewing buttons, etc.) I hate that! But for all purpose hand sewing, I use any general hand sewing needle that is close to the correct size for the job. Now that really didn't help much, did it? Sorry.
#5
Super Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NE Pa.
Posts: 1,738
I like the "straw" needle. It is very thin and long. Just my opinion. But lately I have been doing my bindings by machine totally. Especially if it is for a child who will use and abuse it. Put it on the back bring it to the front and use a decorative stitch. Saves time for me
#6
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Va.
Posts: 5,753
I don't like hand sewing either, but I do sometimes stitch down the backside of the binding by hand after I've attached it to the front with my machine. I like a very short needle for stitching down binding, it's easier for me to get smaller stitch length that way.
Rob
Rob
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
I typically use a 50wt Aurifil with the needles I have on hand -- typically size 10 John James Gold'n Glide Milliners, or sometimes their Gold'n Glide Applique needles. I like the Teflon coating. Much easier to push the needle through the fabric. I usually do run the thread through beeswax just to keep it from tangling since I like to use longer pieces of thread.
I've done bindings with quilting needles & with coated hand quilting thread. I find it a bit more difficult to work with the binding using the thicker coated thread, but I've only worked with Americana hand quilting thread on bindings so I can't say for sure if that's the case with all hand quilting threads.
I've done bindings with quilting needles & with coated hand quilting thread. I find it a bit more difficult to work with the binding using the thicker coated thread, but I've only worked with Americana hand quilting thread on bindings so I can't say for sure if that's the case with all hand quilting threads.
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