What size needle?
Hello my stitching pals... I will soon be starting a project on 16 count Aida, and would like your advice on which size needle is best to use for that fabric. I typically stitch on 14 count, and so I can get away with using a larger needle, but I wasn't sure how that would work with smaller squares. I appreciate your input. Thanks!
Posted by: saintsgal on 11/13/17
Replies:
The needle sizes are the reverse of fabrics. The needles get smaller as the numbers increase! Be sure you buy Tapestry needles, like John James or Bohin. If you buy cheaper ones, you risk having burrs cutting or chewing up your floss. DMC makes great floss, but ucky needles.
14 count fabric = 24 needle
16+18=26 needle
20+up=28 needle
These are most common. If you use a 26 gauge needle on 16 count, not much harm, but on 18 count, the same size needle
will make the holes bigger. Whether you wash after that, I don't think they go back to their smaller size.
I am not an ECS employee, just another stitcher.
by: Su Pitt on 11/14/17
This is perfect, Su - exactly what I needed! Thank you!
by: saintsgal on 11/14/17
I usually use 26 needles for 14 count and 28 petites for 16 count. My eyes have gotten too bad for me to work with 18 count. Hope this helps!
Becki
by: Becki 36 on 02/06/21
I use a 26 needle (or a 25 'tween') on 16 count. Experiment to see what you like. Although a smaller needle goes through easier, you need the needle big enough to open the hole so that the floss doesn't fray. The hole closes back up once the needle is through. The only way it doesn't is if you leave the needle in there for a while or if you pull your floss too tightly.
Get a few different sizes - you will find that you will use different needles in different situations on the same piece. :)
Here's a picture of one of my current projects on 16 count where I use (most of the time) a 26 or 25. Hope it helps.
by: denise003 on 02/06/21
Great post! I'll never remember all of this, but I'll write it down in my Cross Stitch Journal! Thanks for asking saintsgal!
by: anninoregon on 02/06/21