Needles
- Jessica Devin
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Choosing the right needle…
Embroidery needles…
You should be replacing your needle if you notice the thread becoming dull or fuzzy quicker than normal, if it’s loosing its shine, if the plating has worn off or the needle has turned dark, or the thread unraveled/untwisted to the point you can re-twist it.
For threading a needle, first cut the tip at a sharp angle. Then run the tip through some beeswax (don’t lick it), pinch the thread in your working hand between your thumb and pointer finger, so only the very tip is visible. With your other hand, hold the needle, bring the needle to the thread. Using a slight sawing motion, maneuver the needle’s eye over the tip of the thread. The thread will slide right in. If this still doesn’t work, try flipping the needle over. Needles are made by punching a hole in the needle for the eye. One side is easier to thread than the other.
The diameter of the needle should be slightly larger than the thickness of the thread you're using. If your thread is fuzzy and breaking right from the start you need to go to a bigger needle.
The whole point of a needle is to make a hole large enough for the thread to pass through easily, but not leaving a visible hole in the fabric. If you hear a sort of zipper sound when pulling the needle through the fabric, go up a size.
I’m personally obsessed with Tulip’s brand Embroidery needles, for most stitches. The size depends on how many strands you’re using. Size 10 holds a single strand, size 9-8 holds 2, size 8-7 holds 3, size 7-6 holds 4, size 6-5 holds 5, and sizes 5-4 hold all 6 strands.
For any knot stitches, I use Tulip’s Bullion knot needles. They come in two sizes. The thickness of the needle will determine the size or thickness or your knot stitch. Using the Bullion needles makes knot stitches much easier. The shaft is the same thickness as the eye, allowing you to pull the thread through the knot stitch. You can also use Milliners needles if you can’t find Bullion knot needles. Just watch the size and make sure it’s correct for the number of strands you’re using, and how large or thick you want your knot stitch to be.
Tulips are a Japanese made needle, and are manufactured completely differently than typical needles. They are far superior, and allow for greater detail and precision.
If you search Amazon you can find them. Same with on Etsy. Just search for “Tulip Embroidery Needles”.
The next best are John James. But honestly, I can only use Tulips now… lol
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