11 Aug One of my favorite “tools”…

I love to sew by hand!  Hand appliqué is one of my favorite things and I also love to hand sew a binding when I have the chance.

I took my first hand appliqué class from Pat Campbell back in about 2004.  She recommended Richard Hemming needles and I’ve been using them ever since.  I’ve tried others but always come back to Richard Hemming.  They stay sharp and just seem to feel right in my hand.  My favorite is size 10 betweens.  I have some 9s that I use sometimes too, but usually any hand sewing I do is with a #10.

Straw needles are another popular needle for hand appliqué.  They are very long and fine.  I tried them in another class I took, but couldn’t get used to the length.

The amazing variety of tools available to quilters is wonderful, but the choices can sometimes be confusing and a bit overwhelming.  If you haven’t found a hand sewing needle that you like, consider giving the Richard Hemmings a try.  Check your local quilt shop or try Colonial Needle.

(PS Colonial Needle also sells Roxanne thimbles – another of my faves!)

Do you have a favorite needle?