Earlier today I started hand sewing the binding on one of my quilts from April’s UFO Parade. I picked up a spool of thread that already had a needle in it and used that needles. It was like trying to sew with a spike! After sewing just one length of thread my hand hurt so I went to my sewing room and got a pack of my favorite needles: Hemming Size 10 Crewel.
These needles have a large eye for easy threading, have a sharp point and just glide through the fabric. This is a comparison between the needle I was using (the one with thread) and the Hemming. There is a big difference in diameter.
Over the years I’ve heard many quilters remark that they don’t like hand stitching the binding. Maybe they just need to find the right needle. I encourage to try a few different needles and find one that you like. The easier it goes through fabric, the less hand fatigue you’ll have as you finish up your quilts!
