Following up on the information about Colonial Needle – a great place to order your embroidery needles – it may be useful to have access to a good reference chart that describes the various needles used in hand embroidery and even gives photos of them (I love photos!).
Country Bumpkin has a really good embroidery needle reference chart on their website. What I like about it over other charts is that it gives the reader all the information you need to choose the correct needle: types, uses, sizes available, and (unlike other charts I’ve seen) the types of threads or the numbers of strands to use with the different sizes of needles.
Once you decide what needles you’d like to have on hand (the ideal is to have access to several different types and sizes in your sewing basket), check out Colonial Needle, which is a great place in the US to buy a wide variety of fine needles.
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hello mary can you tell me is there a easy way to know what end of your thread is the right end thank you for any help you may be able to give
Joyce
Hi, Joyce –
Wool is really the only common embroidery thread with an obvious nap. If you run a wool thread between your fingers, you’ll be able to tell by looking at the fibers – if running it through your fingers causes the fibers to stand out from the thread, it’s going in the wrong direction. The right direction will feel smoother and the little fuzzy fibers, for the most part, will smooth themselves onto the thread.
Silk doesn’t have a nap, and, to my knowledge, neither does mercerized cotton.
Maybe someone else can give some more input if they know differently?
Hope that helps!
Well, this is an old post now!
Anyhow, one way to find the direction on cotton floss is to run it across your upper lip. It will feel rougher when it’s going the ‘wrong’ way. Thread on a spool usually comes off going the right way.
Hello Mary!
I know this is a really old post but,what specific size needle works best for regular hand embroidery for beginners? I don’t know which one to buy!! Thank You
Hi, Sky – the type of needle you’d normally use for hand embroidery is called a “crewel” needle (or also an “embroidery” needle – they are the same). The size depends on the type and size of thread you’re using and the type of fabric you’re using. There’s no standard size just for beginners – it depends on what you’re doing. I’d suggest getting a combo pack of crewel needles (sizes 3-9 usually come in a combo pack) and that should cover most beginner’s needs.
Hope that helps!
MC
Thank you Mary!
One more question.Should I get a copy of The Embroiderer’s Handbook? I heard it was a good book from several people I know. I was wondering if you had experience using the book.Thank You!!
~Sky
Hi, Sky! I like it – but if you have any of the A-Z of embroidery stitches books, you’ll find it repetitive. If you’re keen on a whole variety of stitches, you might consider the A-Z of Embroidery Stitches volumes 1 & 2. They’re all good books, though! MC
Thank You so much!! I was having a hard time with hand embroidery untill I found your wonderful website a week ago!! It’s faboulous! Thank You once again!
~Sky