Needles
Can you tell me the size range for all crossstitch needles and what size would be good for begins.....Thanks
Posted by: mischrish on 08/17/17
The needle sizes that are used are based on the count of your fabric. Tapestry needles are used for cross stitch, but some people choose to use embroidery needles if their design has a lot of fractional stitches and it is being stitched on aida because it is easier to break the aida block with a sharp embroidery needle instead of a blunt tapestry needle. For cross stitch with the following counts the tapestry needle sizes follow: fabric 11 count and bigger (there is also 6 and 8 count, etc.), use size 22 needle; for 14 count use size 24 needle; and for 16 and 18 count use size 26 needle; there is a 28 size recommended for 18 count but the eye is so small I have read that some people say only one strand of floss will fit through it without shredding (I avoid stitching on 18 count). Basically, the smaller the fabric weave (like 16 and 18 count), the larger the needle size.
by: lbcatlovr001 on 08/17/17
I am working on this one right now and it is all full stitches. I am using a size 26 tapestry needle with I think 18count aida fabric. It is working fine for me so far. good luck!
by: Sarandipity on 08/18/17
I recently stitched on some 32 ct linen and the size 26 needle was too big. I had to make a special trip ton Nordic Needle to get some size 28 tapestry needles. I'm glad I read the former answers to this question, because i've never thought about using embroidery needle on Aida for the fractional stitches. I have some more bookmarks to do and they are 16 or 18 ct Aida
by: bjukniewicz on 08/18/17
I recently stitched on some 32 ct linen and the size 26 needle was too big. I had to make a special trip ton Nordic Needle to get some size 28 tapestry needles. I'm glad I read the former answers to this question, because i've never thought about using embroidery needle on Aida for the fractional stitches. I have some more bookmarks to do and they are 16 or 18 ct Aida
by: bjukniewicz on 08/18/17
BJ, Chenille needles have the sharp point but are the same size as tapestry needles...same tapestry needle eye for easy threading...displaces for saving wear on your floss... 😄
by: VCESS on 08/19/17
Vcess, if you see this post, please explain the differences to my questions here that follow, or if someone else knows, feel free to jump in. I have seen chenille needles and know absolutely nothing about them. What makes them different from an embroidery needle if they have a sharp point and what are they used for? Would it be the size or shape of the needle's eye, or the needle's length or width that makes it different from an embroidery needle?
Thanks (-:
by: lbcatlovr001 on 08/21/17
Lb, the chenille needles I have...and I only bought one size...feel exactly like tapestry needles except they have a sharp point. The eye of the chenille needle is the same size as the tapestry needle...length and size 24 tapestry is the same as a length and size 24 chenille...a 26 tapestry, the same as a 26 chenille, and so on. My embroidery needles feel thinner, with a smaller eye, sharper point...the length of tapestry and chenille needles feel different from embroidery needles, but I have never compared all of their actual lengths, so it could be my imagination or something as simple as the size of my embroidery needle. These "feel-like" comparisons are of my own eye and mind. This was my first experience with chenilles...I wanted to practice that pin stitch on aida... :-)

by: VCESS on 08/21/17
Thanks Vcess! I will have to try them out at some point. I use the embroidery needles when working a lot of 1/4 stitches on aida which is definitely my least favorite stitch in the first place, especially when they are used in abundance. I always have a battle threading embroidery needles because the shortened eye is so small and narrow compared to the more comfortable and elongated wider eye in a tapestry needle which I use very frequently. Next time I go to one of the local craft stores at some future date I will go take a look and compare all 3 to see how they look visually. Thanks for the idea and good info.
by: lbcatlovr001 on 08/22/17
Anytime, Lb! The very issues you are having are what made me try them--just makes sense to utilize whatever tool it takes to make stitching easier, quicker, happier. 😊 Hope it works out for you! 😊
by: VCESS on 08/22/17
Thanks to all...lots of good info. Chris
by: mischrish on 08/22/17