Size and brand of needles for doing hand applique
#2
Hi Mikki! You'll want a nice long thin needle for needle-turn applique. They're sometimes labeled as "straw needles" or milliner's. The extra length is handy because you can use it to turn the fabric ahead of your stitches and finger press as you go. If you can, buy a good quality needle--it's worth the extra cost. As far as size, it's a comfort thing. The smaller the size #, the longer the needle.
Thin silk thread in the same color as your applique will make your stitches just about disappear...but silk can be slippery to work with and the color range and expense can be a problem. If you're working with cotton, try to get the thinnest cotton thread you can. My favorite is a 60 weight thread. Match your applique color as best you can; if you can't, go a bit darker.
Hope this helps! I love hand applique and hope you will as well :D
Thin silk thread in the same color as your applique will make your stitches just about disappear...but silk can be slippery to work with and the color range and expense can be a problem. If you're working with cotton, try to get the thinnest cotton thread you can. My favorite is a 60 weight thread. Match your applique color as best you can; if you can't, go a bit darker.
Hope this helps! I love hand applique and hope you will as well :D
#4
finding the right needle for a project can be a pain. we ought to insist on test driving them like we do sewing machines. :lol:
a commentary on needles and sizes: http://planetpatchwork.com/needles.htm
these sites sell them and give descriptions of some different sizes and brands.
http://www.trinityquilts.com/item.php?item_id=2200&category_id=617
http://jeanakimballquilter.com/store/strawneedles.html
http://www.quiltersfancy.com/catalog/catalog_needles.htm
a commentary on needles and sizes: http://planetpatchwork.com/needles.htm
these sites sell them and give descriptions of some different sizes and brands.
http://www.trinityquilts.com/item.php?item_id=2200&category_id=617
http://jeanakimballquilter.com/store/strawneedles.html
http://www.quiltersfancy.com/catalog/catalog_needles.htm
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 1,097
I really like the Piecemakers needles for hand applique (even though they are some of the least expensive on the market!) I don't care for the long needles, even after taking a workshop with the Piece of Cake ladies where they demonstrated them.
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