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 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.
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! 🙂
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
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
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’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 🙂
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🐶
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 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!
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.
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!
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 😂
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. ❤
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!
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 💜💜
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 😊
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?
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
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.
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
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!
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.
We have all of these needles on our website shop Deborah, you can message me directly through the website if you aren't sure which ones to buy. You can see them here: www.sarahhomfray.com/myshop/cat_264747-Embroidery-Equipment.html
It's difficult because different manufacturers might make the same needle slightly differently (different lengths etc) so it is down to experience really. Look at the eye: round hole - Sharps, long hole - Embroidery/crewel. Large needle with long eye and point - Chenille, with a blunt end - Tapestry (these are the common ones but there are lots of other ones). The needle should make the hole for the thread to pass through not the thread so if you can hear or feel the thread going through the needle is too small. If you leave holes in the fabric and the thread falls out of the needle it is too big. Hope this helps a little...
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?
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!
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....
Now we need to see how you organise your needles :-) Mine tend to wander around the house, get lost in projects, and become impossible to find - until after i've ordered new ones!
That isn't good Cat, you will stand on one! Perhaps a needle case or pin cushion?! You can get ones that fasten around your wrist so you always have one 'to hand' as it were...
@@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. 😊
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 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!
I’m learning so much from you. Your voice is so soothing. Thank you for you efforts.
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!
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.
I’ve been sewing off and on for years and didn’t know all the sizes and types. Thanks.
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.
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:
th-cam.com/play/PLC2TZFIW8ZoOf-FzgU_Zz9KyisR6PZl0q.html
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
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
For a rookie this was so helpful.
Brilliant! Now need to have a good sort through of my needles. Many thanks for your instruction.
I am learning so much from you Sarah, off to your shop now :):) love the bit at the end where you forgot, funny
Thank you! Most of them, I knew already, though I've got no idea how to use curved needles...
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’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 🙂
Love your videos thanks for the help!
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!
Thank you Sarah, for another excellent and very informative video!!
-Mychael
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🥰
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
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
Luv your how to videos, you cover so much that others don’t, thank you
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.
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!
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 😂
You are a true teacher. Thank you
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. ❤
I love the straw needle to make bullion knots, slips right through. In my experience the sharps always shreds the embroidery thread.
Watching again ☝🏽never really thought there was such a difference and for what….just filled with information…love learning this skill❣️🙏🏽🙋🏻♀️👍🏽Mia
Thanks your support....
Thank you very much for the useful information on needles.. It's so helpful.
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
Very useful video Thanks for sharing!
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
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!
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 💜💜
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 😊
Thanks! This was very useful to me as I get more into learning embroidery.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful information on needles
I have a range of needle sizes thankfully but good to know the size of thread with it how small big etc
What great videos! Very helpful, well explained, answers my questions. Thank you!
I learn so much from you. Thank you so much.
Haha, love the blooper at the end :). I also thought a “needle was a needle” , just different sizes. Now I know better.
I just found your channel! Absolutely love it! Simple and easy to understand and follow!
I think your videos are the best I have watched.
Thankyou this was brilliant. I'm starting my new passion and its great to know all this info.
GRACIAS FELICIDADES ERES UNA EXPERTA EN BORDADOS
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?
Absolutely love the way you explained and indeed very informative and interesting video
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful knowledge
Thank you, I needed that tidbit ❣️👍🏻😊👍🏻❣️❣️
many thanks for the information.This was very informative.
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!
What is the best needle to use for making bullion stitches?
Thanks for the video tutorial. I really needed this. 🌹🌹🌹👏👏👏 1.03.2022, 23:06
👌👌👌👍👍👍👏👏👏
That was super interesting and helpful. I learned a lot, thank you. ♥️
This is wonderful knowledge. Thank you!
Thankyou greatly appreciated. Great ideas .
So helpful - thanks so much for these great tutorials. Sue
Thank you very informative
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
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?
I'm totally off topic here but your voice ia too gentle and soothing I'm nodding off 😂
Oh dear, I don't want to be sending people to sleep! I'll practice my gruff voice...:)
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
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
This video is so informative. Thank you! 🌺
Thank you ma'am
Very useful to me...
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!
Thank you for your answer
So love and appreciate you and your videos.
What size is the straw/millener needle I would need for seed beads? Thank you!
I love your videos. I have learned so much! Thank you!
Very informative! Thank you for sharing this information.
Thank you so much. I was trying to buy needles the other day on amazon and I had no idea which ones to buy so I didn’t buy any.
We have all of these needles on our website shop Deborah, you can message me directly through the website if you aren't sure which ones to buy. You can see them here:
www.sarahhomfray.com/myshop/cat_264747-Embroidery-Equipment.html
How do you identify the needle size if its not in its original box and how do you decide what size needle to use with a linen or cotton fabric?
It's difficult because different manufacturers might make the same needle slightly differently (different lengths etc) so it is down to experience really. Look at the eye: round hole - Sharps, long hole - Embroidery/crewel. Large needle with long eye and point - Chenille, with a blunt end - Tapestry (these are the common ones but there are lots of other ones). The needle should make the hole for the thread to pass through not the thread so if you can hear or feel the thread going through the needle is too small. If you leave holes in the fabric and the thread falls out of the needle it is too big. Hope this helps a little...
This was very informative.
Thank you, I did wonder about some of them.
Thank you!!!
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?
Great information again! Thank you so much!
Thank you. Very helpful.
Thanks for sharing
Very informativ. Thank 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!
@@SarahHomfrayEmbroidery Many thanks
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
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😊
Thank you beautiful sister 👧😊💌💖🌹
Now we need to see how you organise your needles :-) Mine tend to wander around the house, get lost in projects, and become impossible to find - until after i've ordered new ones!
That isn't good Cat, you will stand on one! Perhaps a needle case or pin cushion?! You can get ones that fasten around your wrist so you always have one 'to hand' as it were...
Very helpful!
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. 😊
Thank you so much for this!
Great overview! Its been a while and my needles without labels were a mystery. TFS!!
- Your new subbie Dawn
Thanks for subscribing Dawn, glad you found it useful!