Why do my needles bend
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,334
I use Roxanne needles, too. I had problems with needles bending and I even broke a few. Rosanne's do seem stronger and there are a lot in that little bottle.
I've also learned to relax my grip a little when hand quilting. It was hard on the needles but also my hands. And, I let the sandwich be pretty loose, not taut. When I first started hand quilting I thought I should have it tighter but not so. Softer, thinner batting helps, too. I use an old floor frame for my hand quilting and thread up a bunch of needles before I start.
I've also learned to relax my grip a little when hand quilting. It was hard on the needles but also my hands. And, I let the sandwich be pretty loose, not taut. When I first started hand quilting I thought I should have it tighter but not so. Softer, thinner batting helps, too. I use an old floor frame for my hand quilting and thread up a bunch of needles before I start.
#14
whether i am hand sewing or quilting, regardless of size or length of needle, my needles always bend. for some thīngs i use old needles fr estate sales. they bend. i started w john james gold years ago, didn't care for them. for quilting i use size 11 between. my hands have been arthritic since i was a teen, quilting for 29 yrs, i use stab stitch over seams. years ago i had a friend refer to her needles as home made fish hooks. bent needles, i decided, aren't indicative of improper technique, just part of the fun!
#15
Thank you everyone for your comments and advice. I do have a little bottle of the Roxannes' around here somewhere. And will get some big eye John James and other needles that were mentioned to try. It is my hexie quilt (my avatar) that I am handquilting. Did not have as much of a problem when I was stitching the hexie's together. Every so often I would change out my needle due to bending. My quilt top is LQS 100% cotton fabric, flannel backing, Quilters Dream Wool batting and embroidery floss, single strand, for the quilting. The needle goes through the sandwich with extreme ease. I am doing big stitches. I will try and loosen my sandwich up some more if possible. Thanks again. Love you guys!!
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: oregon
Posts: 1,371
As said already...you should try the tulip brand...they are made of harder steel,in Japan..and really don't bend. I bend the other brands easily. Sewing through seam allowances will bend needles. If you lap quilt and fold the sandwich onto the needle,that helps also.
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
I was not a fan of the John James needles. Have tried several other brands and am happiest with Roxanne's betweens. Occasionally they bend but not often. I use them bent until it starts effecting my stitching.
#20
Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Pawcatucck, CT
Posts: 80
Same Problem.........
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05-21-2012 09:03 AM