Tapestry needles are most often used when cross stitching. They come in a variety of sizes but they are all blunt and the eye of the needle is larger than a regular needle eye. For those of us that sew using our embroidery stitches instead of going down through one hole, pulling the thread through and then coming up through another hole and again pulling the thread through (stab and poke), the petite needles help prevent the thread from twisting. Petite tapestry needles have the same needle eye size as regular tapestry needles but they are shorter in length. Using the proper sized needle will make your stitches look better because the thread has not been flattened by a needle eye that’s too small for the thread being used. There are also double eye needles that are useful when using two different types of thread or two or more colors, which is known as blending colors. Choose a higher quality of needle and you will produce a higher quality finished piece. The cheaper, poor quality needles are harder to thread because they have a rough eye that can pull and fray your thread.

The Cross Stitch Needle Shop suggests a few basic sizes as a general guide to cross stitching. If you are using six count aida fabric, a size 18 needle is recommended. You’ll need to use a size 20 needle for eight count aida fabric. For 11 count aida fabric or 22, 25 or 27 count even weave fabric, a size 22 needle is best to use. When stitching on 14 count aida fabric or 28 count even weave fabric, a size 24 needle is recommended. Size 26 needles work best with 16 count aida fabric. As well, the same needle works perfectly with 32 count even weave fabric or 22 count hardanger cloth. A size 28 needle is best when working on 18 count aida fabric or 36 count even weave fabric.




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