I had no idea how much I didn’t know. Thank you for such a well organized, informative lesson. You have a lovely voice, easy to listen, easy to understand.
I absolutely LOVE and deeply appreciate the thought and attention to detail you have included in all of your excellent tutorial videos. Thank you, thank you for sharing your expertise and taking the time to craft such great videos.
Thank you so much Martha, it means a lot to us to get such positive feedback and I'm glad you are finding the videos useful. We work hard at them so it's good to know they are appreciated! Don't forget to share with your stitching friends!
Wonderful tutorials! I have been needlepointing for over 10 years, with three different instructors and none have ever taught the basics . Thank you Sarah.
Thank you so much for this video explaining different needles and sizes. I have been cross stitching and needlepointing on an off in my life and this is the first time someone has explained needles in a thorough and simple manner.
I’ve been sewing etc since I was six. My mother was, & my eldest sister is a very good embroider/s. I did a bit, smocking, cross-stitch, and I embroidered the hems of some baby gowns for my first baby (she’s 32 now). In all this time I never had needles clarified for me like you did in this video. So thank you. I’m taking embroidery up again and have been watching some of your most excellent videos! New subbie here. 🌹Rosie of Oz🇦🇺 & 🐶Omega the Cavalier🐶
I love your videos. I made my very first project last week. It came out OK but I did struggle with things and now I’m sitting in the light with your videos!!! I wish I could go to B class there’s none around by where I live
I’m so glad I came across your videos because I saw a design on clothes with a very pretty embroidery design I’m a beginner and all of your videos are so informative and helpful thank you very much for sharing 🙂
Thank you for explaining the different sizes and uses of needles. I always thought a needle was a needle and that some eyes were just made larger to take a larger thread. I'll never look at a needle the same way again now that I know the difference between them.
I just found your channel and have watched quite a few videos. I enjoy your teaching style and appreciate you helping to educate everyone with your helpful videos. I never knew there were so many needles - this is great info!
Thank you Sarah, this is so useful and explains a lot of difficulties I've had. A great guide to select the right needle for different uses, much appreciated :)
I am fascinated by your voice and clarity of delivery. Your info is so helpful. My only difficulty, other than starting embroidery at 69 1/2 years of age is my inability to locate the templates to which you refer in your videos. Can you help me find these? Thank you so much
Thank you soOoo much for this video!! It was exactly what I was looking for. 🎉 I wanted to order embroidery needles that are about the same size as a 26 tapestry needle and I didn’t have much of a point of reference. You showing them all on a piece of fabric next to each other really helped. ❤
How timely! I have finally discovered for myelf how important a needle is to my work piece...............so much easier. since I am beginning t select my needle with care now.
So much information...brain can't handle! Really enjoy your vids...there's a lot that books just can't get across but a well made and presented video can...thanks so much 😊
wish I would have watched this BEFORE standing dumbfounded & overwhelmed trying to select a proper Needle for starting an Embroidery project. Making it an ever harder decision was the Shop was almost out of everything! Not one of the packages said "for embroidery" just Crewel or Chenille. So I guessed & chose a Sharp Chenille which wasn't the worst choice after all but Information is Power so they say! thank you for taking the time to make & post this Video!
I've seen so many people struggle unnecessarily because they have the wrong needle and it's something that's very rarely explained so I'm glad you have found this and it's helped you!
Hi Sarah, great tutorials. Can you do a video on what needles to use with different types of threads and different types of needles/ threads to use on different types of fabrics and stitches? Thank you! 🙂
Thanks, I too am binge watching your videos, having seen an advert on Facebook for the RCN, and on a roundabout way, finding your website and your videos on here. Really useful and clear, thank you very much. I loved the ‘blooper’ you included at the end 😂
This helps me immensely thank you so much! I've started sewing and embroidery myself I was using sharp needles for embroidery on some old jeans I cut from and the holes were so big I would undo the stich I just did thank you again for taking the time to share your knowledge 💜💜
Quilting has it's own set of needles Annie so there is more to learn! I'm not a quilter but I know 'betweens' are popular with Quilters; they are short with a very small eye
Well, apparently you've been around making amazing videos, and I just found you today! I was trying to find a comparable video in English on a stitch I didn't have a name for. It turned out to be the Long and Short stitch used for flowers! I saw your Pansy flower in three shades of purple video. Thank you for your attention to detail! I subscribe to Mujeres Creativas, from Mexico and it's all in Spanish, which I love but I needed to know some English terms. Again, Sarah, thank you!
I want to practice a few things before I take on a real project and your videos are an excellent source of inspiration and information. I have dexterity issues in my hands along with neuropathy. I can't hold the needle in a traditional manner. When I search Google or Amazon. The needles look long enough but are too fast looking for the delicacy of beads and stitching. Do you have a recommendation for where I could order needles that are longer than 3 inches. If like to find cross stitch needles that are longer too. Thank you for everything you do for us!
I've never seen needles that long Susan but contact John James Needles online (just search for them) and if you explain what you need they might be able to help you. Could you hold the needle in some pliers? You can get medical ones that clamp shut so you don't have to hold them shut
Can you get curved needles with a more subtle curve, rather than a whole semicircle? I looked for some once, after finding straight needles a little probematic for sewing on large buttons with concave backs (as decorative embroidery items, as it happens). Love your videos.
Really helpful. Do you have a video on using the curved needle? That’s what I’m struggling with right now, sewing down the gold threads of a goldwork practice piece. So awkward. 🤨
I don't but that's probably a good idea, I've had a few people ask me how to use them and there is a specific way so I'll add it to the video list! The trick is to think of it as curved and not to use it as you would a straight needle. I put my thumb on the top of it and my first two fingers underneath and make a scouping motion into the fabric. The points are sharp so use that to help get the needle into the fabric. Once the point is in then push the needle through gently in a curve motion as if it's making a circle. If you need to force it you aren't doing it right (and it will break) so use the point and the curving motion to help you
I have binged-watched your videos. Lot's of great info. Could I ask you what size needle you recommend for 6-strand embroidery floss and also for perle cotton please?
Probably a crewel 7 or 5 if you stuggle with the 7 Mo M. The perle cotton comes in different sizes so it would depend what size but start with the 7 again and go up or down depending on how it feels. If you can hear the thread going through the fabric then the needle is too small!
The traditional tomato pin cushion typically has a little strawberry attached to it that I was told was a sharpener. (I never understood how that was supposed to work -- perhaps take off a tiny burr that might have developed?) But maybe it's actually a cleaner?
Will you create a sampler and video for beginners that shows the type of stitches that can be done with the needles you presented here? It will help us beginners tremendously! I’ve been trying to find a list for the types of stitches for these needles but have not been successful.
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Thank You So Very Much for your reply and support. I think you are a wonderful teacher. Your work is incredible. Thank You for sharing. 😊
Keep them in a soft cloth in a needle case and they should be fine Jacqui. If you can get doctors flannel (Australia seems to be the place for this!) this is really good as it is oil based and will oil the needles lightly. Change them regularly or use a needle cleaner to keep them fresh (see the strawberries on my website shop: www.sarahhomfray.com/myshop/prod_3537641-Strawberry-needle-cleaner.html)
I am new to any sewing.I want to hand sew most of all.quilts. sashiko,and I have a real like for simple stitching around patterened fabric.simple stitching to start.so what do I buy?
Thanks Sarah, this video is really informative. I have some further questions regarding how to choose the correct needle for any given fabric. Can any needle be used on any type of fabric? Or should one use, for example, a thicker needle (and thread) for looser weaves? Thanks again!
I think this might be another video Angela, it's a big subject! Generally looser weave fabrics can take a larger needle (you wouldn't use a crewel needle on a densely woven silk) but try some different options out and you will be able to tell. Get the right size needle for the thread first and foremost then try it on different fabrics....
Match the needle to thread you want to use Mary rather than the fabric. Once you have the right needle for the thread, you can take it up a size if you want to to allow for a densely woven fabric
Silly question: I have some needles that I’ve lost track of what type, size etc. they are. Is there some type of needle gauge (like the kind you use in crochet) that you can slip your needle through to sort out what it is exactly?
Not that I kow of Mrs G. I was going to put up a free pdf with pictures of lots of needles at their actual size to use as a gauge but the time to do this is eluding me at the moment. I'll try and get onto it!
Watching 6 years later after original release! THANK YOU for sharing your knowledge!
I had no idea how much I didn’t know. Thank you for such a well organized, informative lesson. You have a lovely voice, easy to listen, easy to understand.
Thank you so much!
I’m learning so much from you. Your voice is so soothing. Thank you for you efforts.
I absolutely LOVE and deeply appreciate the thought and attention to detail you have included in all of your excellent tutorial videos. Thank you, thank you for sharing your expertise and taking the time to craft such great videos.
Thank you so much Martha, it means a lot to us to get such positive feedback and I'm glad you are finding the videos useful. We work hard at them so it's good to know they are appreciated! Don't forget to share with your stitching friends!
Wonderful tutorials! I have been needlepointing for over 10 years, with three different instructors and none have ever taught the basics . Thank you Sarah.
It's easy to overlook the basics Diana, but without the foundations everything else falls down!
Who knew there was so much difference in needles. Thank you for this video.
Brilliant! Now need to have a good sort through of my needles. Many thanks for your instruction.
Thank you so much. Just starting embroidery and was confused on the different needles. This cleared up a lot and know which ones I need now. 😊
Love the human touch, little video slips and all. It means we are all happy stitchers and can laugh at ourselves.
Very informative! Thank you
I’ve been sewing off and on for years and didn’t know all the sizes and types. Thanks.
Love your videos thanks for the help!
Thank you, Sarah
Thank you so much for this video explaining different needles and sizes. I have been cross stitching and needlepointing on an off in my life and this is the first time someone has explained needles in a thorough and simple manner.
Thank you, I have loads of needles but only one that I use a lot and couldn't remember the type, I'm so happy now :)
I’ve been sewing etc since I was six. My mother was, & my eldest sister is a very good embroider/s. I did a bit, smocking, cross-stitch, and I embroidered the hems of some baby gowns for my first baby (she’s 32 now). In all this time I never had needles clarified for me like you did in this video. So thank you. I’m taking embroidery up again and have been watching some of your most excellent videos! New subbie here. 🌹Rosie of Oz🇦🇺 & 🐶Omega the Cavalier🐶
Welcome onboard Rosie of Oz!
Glad I found this video. I've always been confused about which needle to use.
Thank you !!! I’ve needed this info forever! I knew I reached for certain needles bc they worked better for a particular task, but now I know why🥰
I love your videos. I made my very first project last week. It came out OK but I did struggle with things and now I’m sitting in the light with your videos!!! I wish I could go to B class there’s none around by where I live
I’m so glad I came across your videos because I saw a design on clothes with a very pretty embroidery design I’m a beginner and all of your videos are so informative and helpful thank you very much for sharing 🙂
You are a true teacher. Thank you
Thank you for explaining the different sizes and uses of needles. I always thought a needle was a needle and that some eyes were just made larger to take a larger thread. I'll never look at a needle the same way again now that I know the difference between them.
Luv your how to videos, you cover so much that others don’t, thank you
I just found your channel and have watched quite a few videos. I enjoy your teaching style and appreciate you helping to educate everyone with your helpful videos. I never knew there were so many needles - this is great info!
Thank you Sarah, this is so useful and explains a lot of difficulties I've had. A great guide to select the right needle for different uses, much appreciated :)
Glad it was helpful Karen
For a rookie this was so helpful.
I am learning so much from you Sarah, off to your shop now :):) love the bit at the end where you forgot, funny
I think your videos are the best I have watched.
I am fascinated by your voice and clarity of delivery. Your info is so helpful. My only difficulty, other than starting embroidery at 69 1/2 years of age is my inability to locate the templates to which you refer in your videos. Can you help me find these? Thank you so much
Thanks! This was very useful to me as I get more into learning embroidery.
Thank you very much for the useful information on needles.. It's so helpful.
Thankyou this was brilliant. I'm starting my new passion and its great to know all this info.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful information on needles
Watching again ☝🏽never really thought there was such a difference and for what….just filled with information…love learning this skill❣️🙏🏽🙋🏻♀️👍🏽Mia
Thank you soOoo much for this video!! It was exactly what I was looking for. 🎉 I wanted to order embroidery needles that are about the same size as a 26 tapestry needle and I didn’t have much of a point of reference. You showing them all on a piece of fabric next to each other really helped. ❤
Absolutely love the way you explained and indeed very informative and interesting video
How timely! I have finally discovered for myelf how important a needle is to my work piece...............so much easier. since I am beginning t select my needle with care now.
So much information...brain can't handle! Really enjoy your vids...there's a lot that books just can't get across but a well made and presented video can...thanks so much 😊
Thank you! Most of them, I knew already, though I've got no idea how to use curved needles...
Very useful video Thanks for sharing!
What great videos! Very helpful, well explained, answers my questions. Thank you!
wish I would have watched this BEFORE standing dumbfounded & overwhelmed trying to select a proper Needle for starting an Embroidery project. Making it an ever harder decision was the Shop was almost out of everything! Not one of the packages said "for embroidery" just Crewel or Chenille. So I guessed & chose a Sharp Chenille which wasn't the worst choice after all but Information is Power so they say! thank you for taking the time to make & post this Video!
I've seen so many people struggle unnecessarily because they have the wrong needle and it's something that's very rarely explained so I'm glad you have found this and it's helped you!
Hi Sarah, great tutorials. Can you do a video on what needles to use with different types of threads and different types of needles/ threads to use on different types of fabrics and stitches? Thank you! 🙂
We have several videos all about needles Anili, you can see them here:
ruclips.net/p/PLC2TZFIW8ZoOf-FzgU_Zz9KyisR6PZl0q
Thanks, I too am binge watching your videos, having seen an advert on Facebook for the RCN, and on a roundabout way, finding your website and your videos on here. Really useful and clear, thank you very much. I loved the ‘blooper’ you included at the end 😂
This helps me immensely thank you so much! I've started sewing and embroidery myself I was using sharp needles for embroidery on some old jeans I cut from and the holes were so big I would undo the stich I just did thank you again for taking the time to share your knowledge 💜💜
I learn so much from you. Thank you so much.
Thank you, this video is so helpful. I'm fairly new to embroidery and just used which ever needle I thought including sharps which I use for quilting!
Quilting has it's own set of needles Annie so there is more to learn! I'm not a quilter but I know 'betweens' are popular with Quilters; they are short with a very small eye
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful knowledge
Thank you Sarah, for another excellent and very informative video!!
-Mychael
I just found your channel! Absolutely love it! Simple and easy to understand and follow!
The Royal School of Embroidery? I didn’t know there was such a school! I’ve missed out on so much. 😱 well, as long as I have breath it’s not too late!
I love the straw needle to make bullion knots, slips right through. In my experience the sharps always shreds the embroidery thread.
Thank you, I needed that tidbit ❣️👍🏻😊👍🏻❣️❣️
So love and appreciate you and your videos.
Thanks your support....
GRACIAS FELICIDADES ERES UNA EXPERTA EN BORDADOS
Very informative! Thank you for sharing this information.
This is wonderful knowledge. Thank you!
Thankyou greatly appreciated. Great ideas .
I have a range of needle sizes thankfully but good to know the size of thread with it how small big etc
Love this video and the outtake ha! You are so lovely and funny xx
I'll have to go back and watch that, I can't remember what happened!
That was super interesting and helpful. I learned a lot, thank you. ♥️
This video is so informative. Thank you! 🌺
many thanks for the information.This was very informative.
Thank you very informative
Well, apparently you've been around making amazing videos, and I just found you today! I was trying to find a comparable video in English on a stitch I didn't have a name for. It turned out to be the Long and Short stitch used for flowers! I saw your Pansy flower in three shades of purple video. Thank you for your attention to detail! I subscribe to Mujeres Creativas, from Mexico and it's all in Spanish, which I love but I needed to know some English terms. Again, Sarah, thank you!
I've been making them for years DelFatima but you found me in the end! Glad you are finding them helpful
So helpful - thanks so much for these great tutorials. Sue
What is the best needle to use for making bullion stitches?
I love your videos. I have learned so much! Thank you!
Very useful to me...
Very informativ. Thank you! ❤
Thank you. Very helpful.
Great information again! Thank you so much!
What size is the straw/millener needle I would need for seed beads? Thank you!
I want to practice a few things before I take on a real project and your videos are an excellent source of inspiration and information. I have dexterity issues in my hands along with neuropathy. I can't hold the needle in a traditional manner. When I search Google or Amazon. The needles look long enough but are too fast looking for the delicacy of beads and stitching. Do you have a recommendation for where I could order needles that are longer than 3 inches. If like to find cross stitch needles that are longer too. Thank you for everything you do for us!
I've never seen needles that long Susan but contact John James Needles online (just search for them) and if you explain what you need they might be able to help you. Could you hold the needle in some pliers? You can get medical ones that clamp shut so you don't have to hold them shut
Haha, love the blooper at the end :). I also thought a “needle was a needle” , just different sizes. Now I know better.
This was very informative.
Can you get curved needles with a more subtle curve, rather than a whole semicircle? I looked for some once, after finding straight needles a little probematic for sewing on large buttons with concave backs (as decorative embroidery items, as it happens). Love your videos.
Never seen any like that, have you tried bending a straight one?
Really helpful. Do you have a video on using the curved needle? That’s what I’m struggling with right now, sewing down the gold threads of a goldwork practice piece. So awkward. 🤨
I don't but that's probably a good idea, I've had a few people ask me how to use them and there is a specific way so I'll add it to the video list! The trick is to think of it as curved and not to use it as you would a straight needle. I put my thumb on the top of it and my first two fingers underneath and make a scouping motion into the fabric. The points are sharp so use that to help get the needle into the fabric. Once the point is in then push the needle through gently in a curve motion as if it's making a circle. If you need to force it you aren't doing it right (and it will break) so use the point and the curving motion to help you
Thank you for your answer
I have binged-watched your videos. Lot's of great info. Could I ask you what size needle you recommend for 6-strand embroidery floss and also for perle cotton please?
Probably a crewel 7 or 5 if you stuggle with the 7 Mo M. The perle cotton comes in different sizes so it would depend what size but start with the 7 again and go up or down depending on how it feels. If you can hear the thread going through the fabric then the needle is too small!
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Many thanks
The traditional tomato pin cushion typically has a little strawberry attached to it that I was told was a sharpener. (I never understood how that was supposed to work -- perhaps take off a tiny burr that might have developed?) But maybe it's actually a cleaner?
Will you create a sampler and video for beginners that shows the type of stitches that can be done with the needles you presented here? It will help us beginners tremendously! I’ve been trying to find a list for the types of stitches for these needles but have not been successful.
See our '12 stitches every embroiderer should know' video!
Very helpful!
Super helpful!!! How do you store your needles?
In a pin cushion or a needle case Rajul. Throw them away if they start to get tarnished or blunt!
Thank you, I did wonder about some of them.
Which needle do you recommend for embroidering on fine Heirloom fabrics, such as Swiss Cotton Batiste? Thank You!
It depends what thread you are using Suzanne, you will need to try some to find out! See my latest video on sampling!
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Thank You So Very Much for your reply and support. I think you are a wonderful teacher. Your work is incredible. Thank You for sharing. 😊
Thanks for sharing
Thank you!!!
Great video! Thanks for taking the time to post :)
Thank you for this very useful info. Do you have any tips on storing your needles?
Keep them in a soft cloth in a needle case and they should be fine Jacqui. If you can get doctors flannel (Australia seems to be the place for this!) this is really good as it is oil based and will oil the needles lightly. Change them regularly or use a needle cleaner to keep them fresh (see the strawberries on my website shop: www.sarahhomfray.com/myshop/prod_3537641-Strawberry-needle-cleaner.html)
Hi thank you...my daughter is visiting from Australia next week...where would you get doctors flannel from, please?
That's handy! Not sure I've only seen it online but perhaps a haberdashery?
Oh thank you for replying so quickly...I’m going to get on that right away!!!
I am a total beginner and I want to learn the Bayeux stitch. Can you tell the best needle and size to start with. Thomas
I've sent you an email Thomas with more detail but go for crewel needles with crewel wool, try a number 7 first
Thank you ma'am
I am new to any sewing.I want to hand sew most of all.quilts. sashiko,and I have a real like for simple stitching around patterened fabric.simple stitching to start.so what do I buy?
It depends on the thread, do you know what you want to use?
Thanks Sarah, this video is really informative. I have some further questions regarding how to choose the correct needle for any given fabric. Can any needle be used on any type of fabric? Or should one use, for example, a thicker needle (and thread) for looser weaves? Thanks again!
I think this might be another video Angela, it's a big subject! Generally looser weave fabrics can take a larger needle (you wouldn't use a crewel needle on a densely woven silk) but try some different options out and you will be able to tell. Get the right size needle for the thread first and foremost then try it on different fabrics....
Thanks Sarah! Ok I will try that. I love your videos. Keep them coming!
Thank you so much for this!
What type of needle would you recommend using with a thick, rather stiff canvas? I would like to try to embroider a pair of sneakers. Thank you!
Match the needle to thread you want to use Mary rather than the fabric. Once you have the right needle for the thread, you can take it up a size if you want to to allow for a densely woven fabric
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help. :)
Silly question: I have some needles that I’ve lost track of what type, size etc. they are. Is there some type of needle gauge (like the kind you use in crochet) that you can slip your needle through to sort out what it is exactly?
Not that I kow of Mrs G. I was going to put up a free pdf with pictures of lots of needles at their actual size to use as a gauge but the time to do this is eluding me at the moment. I'll try and get onto it!
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery That would be lovely! I hope you will in the future 😊.
I was sort of searching for the same thing. If I open a pack of DMC needles 1-5… some of them are incredibly hard to tell apart
Thanks for the video tutorial. I really needed this. 🌹🌹🌹👏👏👏 1.03.2022, 23:06
👌👌👌👍👍👍👏👏👏
Thank you😊