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Hand Sewing Needles
by Mary Wilkins
This is a brief summar of hand sewing needles we all use. Keep it handy when your next repair or handwork job comes up.
HAND SEWING NEEDLES: Today I thought it would be a good idea to discuss the types of hand sewing needles we all use and their uses. The right type of needle makes a world of difference in the appearance and quality of our handwork. Needles are numbered according to scale. The smaller the number - the longer and thicker the needle. I had the darndest time remembering that when I first started to sew. SHARPS: All purpose hand sewing needles for sewing and dressmaking. Medium length with small rounded eyes. BETWEENS: For detailed hand work and quilting. These are a shorter needle with a small rounded eye. BALLPOINT: All purpose hand sewing needle for sewing and hemming on knits. These have a rounded tip to go between your threads, not through them. CHENILLE: These are for heavy embroidery or ribbon embroidery. They are short and thick with a large eye and a very sharp point. TAPESTRY: For embroidery on loosely woven fabrics. These are short with a blunt tip and long eye for using wool or several strands. SELF-THREADING: Also known as calyx-eye needles. For our "mature eyes". These needles have two eyes. To thread your needle, snap your thread through the top eye. The needle is open at the top. EMBROIDERY: Also known as crewel needles. Medium length and has a long oval eye for numerous strands. LEATHER: Also called glovers. For piercing leather, suede and vinyl. They are long and strong with a wedge tip. BEADING: These attach beads or small pearls. They are very long and fine with a small round eye. UPHOLSTERY: For use on thick, tightly woven upholstery fabrics. They can be either straight or curved. Also used widely for tying quilts. DOLL: For working on soft sculpture dolls. They are great for creating facial features. Up to 6" long. Mary
About the Author
Mary Wilkins has three grown children and six perfect grandchildren. Completely self taught, she has been sewing, and crafting for over 30 years. Her website http://www.sew-whats-new.com has been recognized in many sewing magazines and newsletters alike.
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