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Needle Question

For cross stitchers, what’s your favorite needle for stitching?

What I’d like to know is:

  1. What’s your favorite needle? (size/brand)
  2. What fabric do you mostly stitch with?

It does make a difference if you’re stitching on aida, or 28 count linen or 56 count linen and if you have favorite needles for different fabrics, please tell me that.

The reason I’m asking is because I started out liking Sullivan’s ball point needles. Then I switched to Piecemaker’s Tapestry size 28 needles and I’ve loved those but somehow, I ended up with a much larger needle, don’t have a clue what it is but I love it.

The needles look way bigger than they are but the one on the bottom is the Piecemaker’s needle. See how much larger the one top is? I’m surprised I like it but it feels really good in my hand when I’m stitching. I’d be 100% surprised if anyone knows what needle that top one may be from looking at this picture. It has a bigger eye and it’s longer. Not sure if it’s thicker or not. OK . . please help me identify the mystery needle. 🙂

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I love Bohin 28. I usually stitch on 36 or 40 count linen. Used John James for years just because they were the most commonly available and at the time I used aida so it didn’t matter as much. Changed my stitching life when I switched to Bohin. They’re smoothed (bored?) lengthwise rather than crosswise so slip through the threads like butter.

  3. I almost always use Bohin’s also. Either a 26 or 28 needle on either 32 or 36 count linen. I use the same on Aida also.

    • I have not used Bohin’s but I think I ordered some. It’s one of those orders that seems to be touring the country and I’m wondering if it will ever arrive. The first shipping noticed said it was shipped November 7 so I’m not holding my breath on that order. I’m anxious to try the Bohin needles though.

  4. I bought a whole bunch of brands (Bohin, John James, Mary Arden, DMC) when I started stitching and then mixed them up! But, after your Piecemakers recommendation I bought some and love it. I have both the 26 and 28 and use both for linen and aida.

    • This morning I picked up the mystery needle and I think I like how it feels in my hand. I only have that one so I have several Piecemakers threaded and I still love them so maybe I’ll just stick with the Piecemakers.

  6. Hi just love my gold needles by Jane Greenoff, the wonderful lady that started the Cross Stitch Guild here in the UK. She was my inspiration to start cross stitching many moons ago. Then like so many I just stopped after designing and stitching an unique Golden Wedding Sampler for my parents with 3 months of planning and 189 hours later completed & framed I was all stitched out. Brought back into the fold by following Jo at country junction and Judy of course. Watching them made me itch to stitch!

  7. Some needles just go thru some fabrics better than others. Bohin for the most part her also. Either 26 or 28 on 32 an 36. I have some old, old needles that I used for 14 ct aida or real loose weave linen.

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