Technique
Choosing a needle fit for purpose is crucial for the success of your sewing project. When making bears there are 3 types of hand sewing needles and 4 types of embroidery needles that I always have handy on my worktable.
Are you using the right needle?
Technique
Choosing a needle fit for purpose is crucial for the success of your sewing project. When making bears there are 3 types of hand sewing needles and 4 types of embroidery needles that I always have handy on my worktable.
Are you using the right needle?
There are 3 types of hand sewing needles you need to make friends with. Classic go-to hand sewing needles, doll (or straight mattress needles) and long darners.
General Purpose
These are sharp pointed, hand sewing needles. Look for needles with an eye that has a snag free surface. This makes both threading easier and minimises thread damage. These needles are usually made of steel, have a smooth polished surface and a long slender point to help the needle slide through fabrics effortlessly, for quicker and easier sewing.
The John James #001 is my go-to for most mohair bear back stitch, hand stitching. These needles are super sharp and the eyes are a little larger than many, making double threads or strong thicker threads such as Terko easier to manage.
They are not too long so also great for closing seams on bears with ladder stitch and attaching ears. The larger eye makes threading thick Pearl for embroidered bear noses and mouths easier. Pearl cotton, unlike 6-strand embroidery thread, can’t be divided. Like needles, pearl cotton comes in a range of sizes with the higher number indicating a thinner or finer size.
Doll Needles
These come in a variety of sized from 4″ to 10” long, often in packs of 3. They have a sharp point and a large eye, great for threading extra thick, strong threads and twine.
A must-have for bear makers. These long needles these are essential for securing bear eyes. The length of the needle you need will depend on the size of your bear’s head. I normally have varying lengths handy. As well as using these doll needles for bear making, they are fabulous for securing handmade buttons on soft furnishing projects.
Long Darners
The extra length of a long darner makes them ideal for basting and layering fabric. They are excellent for hand tacking and can be useful to sew on some trims.
I don’t tend to need long darners for every day bear making projects. However, I do use them all the time for soft furnishings and they are a very useful needle to keep in your tool kit. For more about needles for soft furnishings …
Embroidery Needles
When embellishing bears and making bear accessories there are 4 types of embroidery needles you need to make friends with. Crewels (classic embroidery needles), Chenilles, Tapestry and Beading needles.
Jacqueline’s Top Tip … when using stranded thread or wools for embroidery, once you’re ready to start sewing, cut the thread the length of your forearm (from fingertips to elbow). This will make sure the pieces aren’t too long which minimises twists or knots as you stitch. If the thread gets fluffy, starts thinning or dull-looking as you’re working, that’s your cue to switch to a fresh piece.
For more information about embroidery needles …
“Some people care too much. I think it’s called love.”
― A.A. Milne
Workshop Dates
Jacqueline runs 2-day, mixed ability, small group bear & bunny making workshops, in various venues, at scheduled times throughout the year. Do come and join us!