Double Needle update
I had every intention of trying my new double-pointed needles this weekend. I appear, however, to have bought Size 22 needles. In the graphic above (the variation in needle size didn’t show well in the scan, but you can see the difference in the size of the eyes), the Size 22 double needle is on top. It is HUGE. The cloth is 14 ct Aida, and I would not want to stitch on it with this double needle. The store I bought my needle packet from only had the one size of needle, or I would have bought smaller needles. Just didn’t think to compare them to the tapestry/crewel/cross stitch needles that were also on the rack.
For comparison, I also show the needle I’m using to stich Frederick on the 14 ct black Aida; as well as the needle I’m using on a piece of 28 ct evenweave. I’m using a size 7 embroidery needle on the evenweave (as long as I’m careful, it doesn’t pierce the threads). I don’t know what size the Frederick needle is, as it came unlabelled with the kit.
At any rate, unless you’re stitching on a cloth that has a low thread count, I don’t know if this double needle is useful. The website I linked to which sells it lists Size 22, 24, and 26. I think a Size 22 might be usable on 14 ct Aida, but I am afraid the eye itself will stretch the holes in the cloth more than I like. If I find a packet of size 24 or 26 locally, I might pick one up and try a different size. I certainly would not use anything larger than the 26 double needle for the high count cloths though, because the eye is wider than the needle. I have a veritable hoarde of needles in my sewing table already, and will most likely just keep using a traditionally shaped needle. They have, after all, been perfectly functional throughout many centuries. :)
(as a helpful note, in needles, bigger numbers mean shorter, thinner needles.)
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2 opinions for Double Needle update
Ternezia
Apr 24, 2006 at 9:44 am
I had to spend some time imagining how exactly one could stitch with this double needle. I think that with my way of stitching (diagram on my site), it won’t work at all. Otherwise I can see a benefit of it if worked the other ways.
With the so much new tools appearing on the market one might have to constantly “unlearn” his ways so to use all those improvements. A bit Zen-like, eh :) But I am not conservative, ya know.
Deb
Apr 24, 2006 at 11:00 am
I wouldn’t mind unlearning old ways if the new ways are an improvement. Learning something new only to have it be a bigger pain? ick. :D But I’d still like to try the double needle. I just don’t want to stitch on 11 ct Aida. yuck. So I’ll have to wait until I can find some of the smaller double needles. Or until curiosity gets the better of me and I just order them off the net. heh.
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