1. Always have a blunt-ended needle for cross stitch, otherwise you can split the threads of the fabric, or prick another thread or your finger. 2. Tapestry needles, as they are called, are numbered from 18 to 28 in size, but may be had in other sizes. The higher the size number the thinner the needle (the barrel diameter), and the smaller the eye of the needle. They also come in different lengths: small, medium and large. 3. One supplier recommends the following needles for the most commonly used fabrics:
Sewing with Cotton Floss | | with Kreinik Metallic Threads | Aida | Linen
Over 2 | TAPESTRY
NEEDLE SIZE | Aida | Mono | Braid | Ribbon | | | 20 | 6-11 | | #32 / #16 | 1/8 | 6 | | 22 | 11-18 | 14-20 | #16 / #8 | 1/16 | 8-14 | 14-28 | 24 | 18 | 18-40 | #16 / #8 | 1/16 | 16-22 | 30-40 | 26 | | 28-40 | #8 | |
4. However, make sure that the needle is small enough so as not to make the holes bigger as you sew each stitch ( by distortion), and not too thin to so as to slip through the holes.
5. Use the size that feels right to you.
5. Although needles used in northern climates are usually nickel plates or stainless steel, they may be had in gold or silver for hot or tropical areas. 6. If you have difficulty in threading a needle, a needle-threader can be used.
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