Does needle size matter?

[bella_tink]

Hi everybody!!! I am going to be starting HAED Catch A Falling Star sometime this week. I will be doing it on 18ct Aida, and I was wondering if there is a certain needle size I should use. I've only worked on 14ct, and I wonder if the needle size I currently use will be too large for the holes. Any tips are greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!!!

[Rose]

I usually us either a 26 or 28 when I am working with 18 count anything bigger then that and I feel it moves the threads to much.

[Kute Kitty]

Personally I even find a 26 is too big and always go for a 28 needle for 18 count. Takes a little getting used too at first because the needle is so tiny!

[busylizz]

Hello I always use a size 28 for 18 count fabric

[Reta]

A guide to Needle sizes and how to know what size you have got

http://www.crossstitchneedleshop.co.uk/ ... guide.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

[Offe]

I never bought needles, I use needles from kits that I have finished. There are three different sizes, but I don't know if they are 26, 28 or what. I use the smallest needle for everything 14 count and up. How can I tell the size?

[Arianwen]

You might find some pictures online Offe of what size needles they are

I have bought some needles and usually use a size 26 needle, but I haven't worked on high count linens and evenweaves much yet. I'm considering buying a needle sorter, and will match up the needles I got in kits with the ones ive bought so I have a better idea of the sizes.

The project I'm working on now is on 25count evenweave and I'm using size 26 needles and feel that's fine for doing 2 over 2, but that the holes left are a touch too big for 1 over 2

[Mystonique]

Generally you'll choose your needle size based on the thread you are using - so if you always use 1 or 2 strands of cotton you probably won't need to swap up or down your needles.

If you use a variety of threads (pearls, cotton, silk etc) you might want to change your needle. As a rule of thumb the needle should make a hole in the fabric ever so slightly bigger than the thread needs to get through without squashing or scraping the edges to much. This is to maintain the integrity of the thread as it passes through the fabric and then the idea is that the fabric will gently move back into place when you make the next stitch.

You don't want he needle too big as it can distort the fabric but you don't want it too small so it's hard to pull the thread through because that will damage the thread.

I use a range of needle sizes but I use lots of different threads on different counts of fabric and canvas.

[Mabel Figworthy]

I've got needles ranging from 22 to 28 and bead embroidery needles (which are shorter than beading needles), and I find the one I never use for some reason is the 26 (if someone is interested in some gold-plated 26s, let me know). I use 22 for stitching with perle #5, 24 for practically everything else on any count, 28 for beads and for single strand work over one, bead embroidery needles for petite beads.

[~threadbear~]

I have to admit I tend to use my trusty 28 petites on every count!
I do have 24's and 22's and probably some 26's somewhere as well, but I just feel totally comfy with my 28's, so I just tend to stick with them whenever possible.

[bella_tink]

Thank You all for the advice. I bought some 28s!!! Going to start Catch A Falling Star later on this week!!!

[agi]

I also prefer the 28 ones, especially because it is so much easier to hide the end of the thread in the back. However, often I get pain in my fingers from holding that small needle, so teh I usually switch to a 26. I don't think I ever used a 24 since I discovered the smaller ones.

[Mabel Figworthy]

Isn't it interesting how we all have such different preferences ?

[helbel]

Gold plated 26's you say? My favourite!

Well actually my favourite needle is now blackened and bent to the shape of my fingers, but never mind