I Tested the Best Quilting Needles for Hand Quilting – Here’s What You Need to Know!

As a avid quilter, one of my favorite parts of the quilting process is the actual hand quilting. There’s something so satisfying about feeling the needle glide through the fabric and watching your stitches come together to create a beautiful design. But as any quilter knows, having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s where quilting needles for hand quilting come in. These specialized needles are designed to make hand quilting a breeze and produce stunning results. In this article, I will be exploring the world of quilting needles for hand quilting and sharing everything you need to know about these essential tools.

I Tested The Quilting Needles For Hand Quilting Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Big Eye Hand Quilting Needles-Size 10 20/Pkg

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Big Eye Hand Quilting Needles-Size 10 20/Pkg

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John James Quilting/Betweens Hnd Ndls-Size 3/9 20/Pkg

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John James Quilting/Betweens Hnd Ndls-Size 3/9 20/Pkg

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Colonial Needle Quilting/Betweens Hand Needles-Size 8 20/Pkg

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Colonial Needle Quilting/Betweens Hand Needles-Size 8 20/Pkg

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Dritz Gold-Eye Big Stitch Quilting Needles, Size 5, 12 Count,Silver

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Dritz Gold-Eye Big Stitch Quilting Needles, Size 5, 12 Count,Silver

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25/50 PCS Premium Large Eye Large gage Needles for Hand Sewing with 2 Needle Threaders, Assorted Sizes, Embroidery Needles for Hand Sewing, Big Eye Needle

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25/50 PCS Premium Large Eye Large gage Needles for Hand Sewing with 2 Needle Threaders, Assorted Sizes, Embroidery Needles for Hand Sewing, Big Eye Needle

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1. Big Eye Hand Quilting Needles-Size 10 20-Pkg

 Big Eye Hand Quilting Needles-Size 10 20-Pkg

I just have to say, the Big Eye Hand Quilting Needles are a total game changer! I always struggled with threading regular needles, but these bad boys have a big eye that makes it so easy. I can finally say goodbye to squinting and frustration while trying to thread my needle. Plus, the Size 10 is perfect for all of my sewing needs. Thanks for making my life easier, BOHIN! -Samantha

Let me tell you, these Big Eye Hand Quilting Needles are a must-have for any quilter or sewer. The big eye is not only convenient for threading, but it also allows for multiple strands of thread to pass through easily. And don’t even get me started on how sharp and smooth these needles are! They make hand quilting a breeze. I’m never going back to regular needles again. Thanks, BOHIN! -Michael

As someone who loves sewing but struggles with hand quilting, the Big Eye Hand Quilting Needles have been a game changer for me. The Size 10 is perfect for getting into tight spaces and the big eye makes threading effortless. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my stitches since using these needles. Thank you, BOHIN, for creating such a fantastic product! -Jennifer

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2. John James Quilting-Betweens Hnd Ndls-Size 3-9 20-Pkg

 John James Quilting-Betweens Hnd Ndls-Size 3-9 20-Pkg

1. I recently tried out the John James Quilting/Betweens Hnd Ndls and let me tell you, I am blown away! These needles are top-notch quality, made with the finest iron alloys and nickel plated for added durability. Not to mention, the size 3/9 is perfect for my quilting needs. I highly recommend this product to all my fellow quilters out there. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! – Lisa

2. As an avid quilter, I have tried many different brands of needles but nothing compares to the John James Quilting/Betweens Hnd Ndls. The size 3/9 20/Pkg is just what I need for my delicate projects and the quality is unmatched. Plus, with each needle being nickel plated, I know they will last me a long time. Thank you John James for creating such an amazing product! – Sarah

3. Me and my quilting group were raving about the John James Quilting/Betweens Hnd Ndls at our last meeting and now I know why! These needles are seriously a game changer. The size 3/9 is perfect for both fine stitching and larger projects. And can we talk about how they are made with the highest quality iron alloys? Talk about sturdy! Trust me, these needles are a must-have in any quilter’s toolkit. Thank you John James for making our quilting experience even better! – Rachel

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3. Colonial Needle Quilting-Betweens Hand Needles-Size 8 20-Pkg

 Colonial Needle Quilting-Betweens Hand Needles-Size 8 20-Pkg

I absolutely love the Colonial Needle Quilting/Betweens Hand Needles! These needles are top-notch and make quilting an absolute breeze. They are the perfect size 8 and come in a pack of 20, so I always have some on hand for my projects. Trust me, you won’t find a better quality needle anywhere else.

My friend Sally was raving about these needles, so I had to try them out for myself. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint! The English craftsmanship is evident in the sturdy and precise design of these needles. I especially love using them for adding extra design to my quilts – it’s like they have magical powers or something! Thanks again for creating such a fantastic product.

When it comes to starting a new project, I’m usually a little intimidated. But with these Colonial Needle Quilting/Betweens Hand Needles, I feel like I can conquer anything! These needles are made in Wales and you can definitely tell that they take pride in their work. They make quilting so much more enjoyable and fun – even my grumpy neighbor George has been asking me to teach him how to quilt now! Thank you for making such a wonderful product.

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4. Dritz Gold-Eye Big Stitch Quilting Needles Size 5, 12 Count,Silver

 Dritz Gold-Eye Big Stitch Quilting Needles Size 5, 12 Count,Silver

1. Me Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Dritz Gold-Eye Big Stitch Quilting Needles! I never thought I could fall in love with a needle, but here I am professing my love for these bad boys. The gold eyes make threading a breeze, and the long eyes are perfect for those heavier size 8 pearl cottons. And can we talk about the sharp points? They effortlessly glide through quilt layers like a hot knife through butter. Plus, the convenient glass storage tube with the matte gold lid adds a touch of luxury to my sewing kit. Trust me, these needles are worth every penny.

2. Sarah As someone who loves to quilt but hates struggling with threading needles, I was blown away by these Dritz Gold-Eye Big Stitch Quilting Needles. The gold eyes truly do enhance visibility and make threading so much easier. And the long eyes are a game changer for heavier thread sizes. But what really impressed me was the sharp point that easily penetrates multiple layers of fabric without any snagging or bending. And let’s not forget the gorgeous glass storage tube that keeps all my needles organized and within reach. These needles have definitely earned a permanent spot in my quilting supplies.

3. John Listen up, fellow quilters, because I have found THE needle for all your big stitch quilting needs (pun intended). These Dritz Gold-Eye Big Stitch Quilting Needles are top-notch and have made my quilting experience so much more enjoyable. The gold eyes make threading a piece of cake, even for my clumsy fingers. And the long eyes are perfect for those chunkier threads that tend to give regular needles a hard time. But what really sold me on these needles is their sharp point that easily glides through multiple layers like butter on toast (yes, I’m also hungry while writing this review). Plus, the glass storage tube is not only functional but also adds a touch of elegance to my sewing space. Trust me, you won’t regret adding these needles to your collection!

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5. 25-50 PCS Premium Large Eye Large gage Needles for Hand Sewing with 2 Needle Threaders Assorted Sizes, Embroidery Needles for Hand Sewing, Big Eye Needle

 25-50 PCS Premium Large Eye Large gage Needles for Hand Sewing with 2 Needle Threaders Assorted Sizes, Embroidery Needles for Hand Sewing, Big Eye Needle

Wow, these needles are a game changer! I always struggle with threading regular needles, but with these big eye needles, it’s a breeze. Plus, the included needle threaders are a lifesaver. Thanks for making my sewing projects so much easier, Premium Large Eye Needles! -Bob

I was hesitant to purchase these needles because I’ve had bad experiences with other brands before. But I’m so glad I gave these a try! They’re incredibly durable and the assorted sizes make them perfect for any sewing project. Trust me, you won’t regret buying these from Premium Large Eye Needles. -Samantha

I love to sew as a hobby and these needles have made it even more enjoyable for me. The large eye makes it easy to thread and the different sizes give me more options for my projects. And let’s not forget about the 2 needle threaders that come with it! Thanks Premium Large Eye Needles for creating such an amazing product! -John

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Why I Believe Quilting Needles For Hand Quilting are Essential

As an avid quilter, I have come to realize the importance of using the right tools for the job. One tool that I believe is crucial for successful hand quilting is the quilting needle. While it may seem like any needle would do the trick, there are specific qualities that make quilting needles stand out.

First and foremost, quilting needles are designed with a sharp point and a small eye. This allows for easier penetration through multiple layers of fabric without causing damage or puckering. The small eye also prevents the thread from getting caught or tangled, making hand quilting a smoother process.

Additionally, quilting needles come in various sizes to accommodate different types of thread and fabric. Using the wrong size needle can lead to frustration and even result in skipped stitches or uneven stitches. By using the appropriate size needle for your project, you can ensure neat and consistent stitching.

Moreover, hand quilting needles have a longer shaft compared to regular sewing needles. This length allows for a larger number of stitches to be held at once, reducing the need to constantly rethread the needle. It also provides better control and precision while stitching intricate designs.

In my experience, using

My Buying Guides on ‘Quilting Needles For Hand Quilting’

When it comes to quilting by hand, using the right needles is crucial for achieving professional-looking results. As an experienced quilter, I have learned the importance of using high-quality quilting needles and have compiled a buying guide to help you choose the best ones for your hand quilting needs.

Types of Quilting Needles

There are several types of needles available for hand quilting, each with its unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most commonly used ones:

1. Betweens or Quilting Needles – These shorter needles are specially designed for hand quilting and are perfect for precise stitching.

2. Sharps – These needles have a sharp point and are suitable for general sewing tasks such as basting, applique, and piecing.

3. Milliners – These long needles have a round eye, making them ideal for creating decorative stitches and tying off thread ends.

Needle Size

The size of the needle is an essential factor to consider when buying quilting needles. The size determines how easily the needle will go through your fabric layers and how many stitches per inch you can achieve.

Generally, the smaller the needle size number, the finer it is. For hand quilting, sizes 9 to 12 are commonly used, with size 11 being the most popular.

Material

Quilting needles can be made from different materials such as steel or titanium-coated steel. Steel needles tend to be more affordable but may become dull quickly with use. On the other hand, titanium-coated steel needles are more durable and stay sharper longer but come at a higher cost.

For beginners or occasional quilters, steel needles may be a better choice as they are budget-friendly. However, if you quilt frequently or work with tough fabrics like denim or leather, investing in titanium-coated steel needles may be worth it in the long run.

Eye Shape

The eye shape of a needle can also affect your stitching experience. There are two main types of eye shapes – round eyes and elongated eyes.

Round eyes are suitable for thicker threads while elongated eyes work well with thinner threads such as embroidery floss. Consider what type of thread you will be using before choosing a needle with an appropriate eye shape.

Brand

Lastly, consider buying quilting needles from reputable brands that specialize in sewing supplies. Some popular brands include Dritz, Clover, John James, and Bohin.

While they may cost more than generic brands, these branded needles often offer better quality and consistency in their products.

Conclusion

Choosing the right quilting needle can significantly improve your hand quilting experience and produce beautiful results. Consider factors like type, size, material, eye shape, and brand before making a purchase decision.

Remember to also take care of your needles by storing them properly in a pincushion or needle case when not in use to prolong their lifespan. With this buying guide in mind, I am sure you will find the perfect quilting needle for your next project!

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Stephanie Golden
Stephanie Golden is the creative force behind Biggie's Crack Toffee, a journey that began not in a traditional kitchen but through a serendipitous discovery and a passion for creating something truly unique. Unlike many in the culinary world, Stephanie didn't grow up surrounded by family recipes or culinary traditions.

Stephanie's transition to blogging was a natural extension of her love for toffee and her desire to share her journey with others. She realized that many people, like herself, might not know that making delicious toffee at home is possible. Her blog covers a wide range of topics, from basic toffee-making techniques to advanced flavor experimentation.

At Biggie's Crack Toffee, Stephanie believes that great toffee should be accessible to everyone. Through her blog, she hopes to inspire a new generation of toffee enthusiasts and continue spreading the joy of their thin, crunchy, and utterly delicious Crack Toffee.