What are your favorite needles for cross stitching and why do you like them?
I had always used John James needles for most of the needlework I’ve done through the years and started out with their tapestry needles. The blurb on the needle page say the large eye and blunt tip make them good for cross stitching. I’ve found that they eye on their needles is the smallest of the other needles I’ve tried and that their point is the sharpest. I prefer a blunter end for cross stitching but when starting or ending with a pin stitch, I do like the sharper tip. At 123Stitch, you get 6 size 26 needles for $2.42, or about .40 per needle.
A needle I had never used but tried after a recommendation is Pat’s. I like these needles! They have an eye that I can easily thread. They are a bit thicker needles . . a good bit thicker than John James, and if I’m sliding the needle under a column of threads from the backside to bury an end, it’s pretty thick to get under the threads. These are $22.49 for a pack of 25 at 123Stitch, or about .90/needle.
The needle that I love the most so far is Sullivan’s. Of course, they’re outrageously expensive – probably so much so that I only bought a package to try and won’t buy them again. It’s $7.19 for two needles, or $3.60 per needle. I love that they have a tiny little ball point on the end and they do seem to have radar when finding that hole. There’s just no way I’ll pay $3.60 per needle but I am glad I tried them.
For now, I’ll probably use Pat’s needles mostly but won’t rule out using John James, especially for the higher count fabric.
Deborah K Kuykendall says
It’s interesting to hear your experience. I’ve always loved John James needles because, like you said, it is so easy to slip them under my work on the back when ending a specific color. It’s annoying when my needle won’t slip through and pulls the stitches on the front. I haven’t done cross stitch in years but I’m enjoying hearing what has come on the market. The Sullivan’s sounds interesting, especially for those fabrics that seem to split threads when you stab a needle through. However, that price point! Hmm. They must really love their needles. Keep posting. I’m enjoying your journey.
Elle says
I’ve always used a basic blunt tip needle. They really never need replacing so IMO, you’re all done spending $. ???
Denise Russart says
I love the Sullivan’s. They are pricey compared to others and I’m very careful where I put them so I don’t loose them. I did recently receive some Pat’s tho so am anxious to try them out
TuNa Quilts says
I always say that one needs to use quality tools and equipment or else one can get frustrated and not stick with the hobby. In the long run those expensive needles will make your sewing time more enjoyable and you’ll probably stitch more and stay with it longer. I’d buy them.
Deborah K Kuykendall says
I agree TuNa Quilts. Trying something with sub-par tools isn’t setting one up for success. At least that is what I always told myself and luckily my husband was kind enough and tolerant enough to go with that.
Judy Laquidara says
None of the needles mentioned are sub-par. It’s like saying a Toyota without all the bells and whistles that a Mercedes might have is subpar. Yes, it’s a less expensive car but the Toyota is comfortable and dependable and gets me where I’m going so, considering that I drive my car once every two weeks, I don’t need a Mercedes. It’s the same with needles. There are more expensive needles and not so expensive needles. Both do the job – one is just a bit different and now that I’ve gotten used to the little ball on the end, I like it. But, I doubt I like it enough to pay three or four times as much for it, especially considering how easy it is to lose them.
JackiesStitches says
The ball tipped needles are great for over 1 stitching! Otherwise I won’t pay that much for a single needle. My favorites are Bohin.
Nelle Coursey says
Thanks for the info! I always learn from your posts!
Jo says
I pay the big bucks and get the Sullivan ball tipped needles. I don’t use a lot of them. I haven’t lost them and I don’t have a lot of UFO projects with the needles tucked away not being used. I like them that much!!
Judy Laquidara says
I may end up doing that to because I really like them.
Val says
I use size 28 tapestry needles. I have a few different brands but the 28 is so much finer than the 26.
Judy Laquidara says
I haven’t stitched on anything higher than 36 count yet but the 28s were way smaller than I liked. I may change my mind with the higher count fabric.
Tracy says
I haven’t noticed that you use a needle keeper, the magnetic one, on your work. They are good at holding needles, lol, I like that I can drop my needle on it and I know it won’t be lost.
Judy Laquidara says
I do use a needle keeper on all projects but they’re usually in a corner and not in the pictures. The problem is that from the back side of my work, there’s a shiny little dot. I tried covering it with a sticky dot to make it not so attractive to a cat but he sees that moving and wants to grab it. A couple of times, he’s managed to knock the magnet off before I realized he had noticed it. I don’t want him to swallow it so I often take the needle keeper off if he’s on my lap . . which he hasn’t been in the last few days due to his behavior.