- Help for Quilters!
The book "The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide" Rodale Pub, 1997 has a very good chapter on "Needles" by Becky Olson. From the earliest needles, fishbones, gradual changes from bones, to bronze to steel have brought many forms and sizes. Some early bronze needles had blunt tips because the soft bronze could not be shaped to a point. Then came steel which could be sharpened to a fine point and was also strong.
Look at the packages of needles in your workbasket. You may find some labeled "Sharps", good for everyday hand sewing. How about piecing blocks? Yes, Becky Olson says "For hand piecing, always use a number 10 Sharp." You may want to experiment with needles of different companies to find one that suits you. Some are stronger than others and will not bend as easily.
Needles labeled "inbetweens" or "Betweens" are designed for hand quilting. They are shorter and thicker than Sharps.
In her book "Loving Stitches" That Patchwork Place 1998 Jeana Kimball says "The shorter the needle, the smaller your quilting stitches will be." In needle sizing, the higher the number, the shorter and thinner the needle. As a number 7 Between with be heavier and longer than a number 12 Between. Ms. Kimball recommends trying several different needle sizes as "no one needle size is exactly right for everyone."
Becky Olson says that many quilters insist on using a 12 between for quilting but here's a surprise - - this professional says she actually uses a "Milliners" needle size 8 for quilting!
Milliners needles are longer and thinner than Betweens.
I have read that old-time quilters liked needles that were slightly curved, so they quilted with old needles they had used in everyday sewing and were slightly bent.
Beginning quilters may want to start their quilting experience with a size 9 or 10 Between. With my handicap (essential tremor of my hands), I use a 9 Between all the time. I just can't hang on to the smaller sizes (10, 12).
Having trouble threading that tiny needle? Try cutting the thread on a slant. Or try turning the needle over and thread from the other side. The eye is stamped out and one side is smoother and larger than the other. If you are re-threading, make a fresh cut on the thread. A slightly fuzzy end is difficult to slide through that tiny eye. If all else fails, get a needle threader! No need to become exasperated before you even start to quilt!
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