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What brand of needles (for cross stitch) have the largest eyes?

I keep trying to thread my needles, usually size 26, with a needle threader and the threaders keep breaking! And my eyesight isn't good enough to just push the thread through.

Thanks for any insight!

I had noticed in the Mary Arden needles I just bought, had larger eyes than the John James I was using before, but that's all I've got. I don't know if they are considered large in general or if I'm making that up. I just bought some Bodin's that look to be pretty large too. I also use size 26 mostly.

I have john James piecemaker and bohin all 28 and the larger eye I found is on the Bohin ones. It is not my favourite because the thread often slide out of it when it short but it sure thread easier.

If you need larger eyes then maybe go up a needle size? Or try a different needle threader? Are you using the flimsy metal ones with a bit of wire? Those are terrible in my opinion. I like using this one:



It is nice and sturdy and the smaller end works perfectly in a size 26 needle. You still have to thread the floss into the the small hole though. If you want one with a hook, this might be easier to use:



There's also a tip I've seen to use a bit of paper to thread your needle instead of a needle threader. I haven't tried it but it looks promising..

http://goldenlight-designs.blogspot.com ... paper.html" target="_blank" target="_blank

Hope these tips help!

Last Nov. I bought for the grand girls at Hobby Lobby, Spiral Eye side needles. They are a "little" pricey for needles. $7.00 for a pack of 2.
All you do is put your thread near the opening, and tug "gently" and the needle is threaded.

HAPPY STITCHING IN STITCHING LAND.

Loran's threader with Bohin needles are probably your best bet - I say that because I use the Loran threader and I do creative tapestry where we use everything from leather to pearls to silks etc all different thicknesses in various needle sizes.

Bohin needles because my tapestry teacher reckons they are the strongest (once again for use with leathers and other really thick 'thread' being pulled and knotted into creative tapestry). And they do seem to have a larger eye than most (a lot of the blinder ladies in my tapestry group will only use them for that reason).

I like the look of the Dritz threaders though - gonna have to get me some to try 8}

I also have trouble seeing the needle .I don't use a threader I have a strong magnifier that i use to see the needle eye and the thread. A little thread conditioned on the end also makes the end a bit stiffer and easier to thread.

I use the LoRan threader. I like it pretty well.

Thank you for all the tips!!!

I just switched from a Bohin 26 to a Piecemakers 24 and I am so much happier! It works so well on 32 ct linen. Why didn't I try this years ago?

Maybe I got a bad batch of Bohins, I don't know, but at least the problem is solved for now.

thanks again!

Am I weird in that I thread needles by feel and not by sight? Tiny holes would still be a problem I guess.

clockwork wrote:Am I weird in that I thread needles by feel and not by sight? Tiny holes would still be a problem I guess.

Actually I know exactly what you mean. I fold theend of the floss over to flatten it if it is getting frayed, and then sort of roll the needle in ym fingers so that the floss and needle cme together. It lets me thread size 28 needles on the first shot most of the time - a crucial skill when I am parking in confetti heavy patterns.