Australian Stitches — September 2017

fabric marker on an inexpensive pin

cushion. See photo 6.

Hand needles
The sizing system for hand needles
is the opposite of that for machine
needles (why this was done I have no
idea!). #3 is a large needle; #6-7 is
medium and #9-12 fi ne to very fi ne.
See photo 7.
When selecting needle size,
match the size of the needle to the
thickness of the thread and type of
fabric being sewn.
Needles come in different types
for different techniques. Sharps
are general sewing needles; Crewel
are intended for embroidery;
Milliner’s needles (formerly straw
needles) are used to make bullions.
Quilters/Betweens are used for
stitching in smaller spaces.

Tips for using hand needles

• Use the fi nest needles that will suit
  the thread and fabric and do the job –
  no big holes and fi ne thread.
  
  
  • Long needles are best for basting/
    tacking and running stitches.
  
  
  • Short needles are best for fell-stitch
    and slip-stitch.
  
  
  • Sharps have a small eye so if you
    have a problem threading them,
    use a Crewel needle of the same
  
  
  
  

size as it has a longer eye.

• Keep your needles in a needle
  case or piece of wool flannel
  
  
  • the lanolin in the flannel will
    prevent rusting.
  
  
  
  


• The emery strawberry can be used to
  sharpen hand-needles.

Photo 7

“Zentangles”

ADD A SWIRL OF LINES TO PILLOWS, CUSHIONS, COVERS ETC.

TWO DIFFERENT COLLECTIONS 20 X 20 OR 20 X 14 CM HOOPS.

MULTIFORMAT CD OR USB $25 POSTED

SINGLE FORMAT EMAILED $20

http://www.daphnesembroidery.com

Daphne Neville

48 Quebec St

Goolwa SA 5214

Ph 08 8555 2930

http://www.daphnesembroidery.com

Daphne’s EmbroideryDaphne’s Embroidery

AST25_7 Daphne'sEmroidery 1/2.indd 1 7/06/17 1:54 PM

Tips and Techniques