Most sewing boxes hold a jumble of needles collected over the years, and most people pick one out by guessing. Then the thread will not go through the eye, or the needle drags a hole in a fine fabric, and hand sewing gets the blame.
Hand needles are made in different shapes for good reasons. Once you know the four or five types, a hem, a button or a line of quilting becomes quicker, neater and a good deal easier on your fingers.
How the sizes work
Hand needle sizes run backwards. The higher the number, the finer and shorter the needle, so a size 10 is much finer than a size 5. Use a fine needle for fine fabric and a heavier one for heavy cloth, and choose the smallest needle that your thread will pass through comfortably.
The needles and what they are for
| Needle | What it is | Use it for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharps | Medium length, sharp point, small round eye | Everyday hand sewing: hems, seams, buttons, repairs | KES 495 |
| Quilting betweens | Short and stiff | Small, even quilting stitches and fine tailoring | KES 495 |
| Big eye quilting | A between with a larger eye | The same jobs, far easier to thread | KES 595 |
| Milliners, or straw | Long and slim, the same width all the way up | Tacking, gathering, pleating and bullion knots | KES 495 |
| Curved | Bent into an arc | Upholstery, lampshades, and sewing where you cannot reach behind | KES 995 |
| Wool needles | Thick, blunt, with a very large eye | Sewing up knitting and crochet, weaving in ends | KES 800 |
If you buy one packet, buy this
John James sharps
KES 495
The general-purpose hand needle, and the one that should be in every home. John James has been making needles in England since 1840, and the difference shows in the polish: a smooth needle slides through cloth without snagging, and the eye will not fray your thread.
See John James sharpsFor knitters and crocheters
Prym wool needles, blunt point
KES 800
Sewing up a jumper with a sharp needle splits the yarn and spoils the seam. A blunt wool needle slips between the stitches instead, and its large eye takes even chunky yarn. Every knitting bag needs a pair.
See the wool needlesStruggling to thread the needle?
You are not alone, and it is not your eyesight so much as the size of the eye. A Clover needle threader costs KES 800 and does the job in a second. Cutting the thread at an angle with sharp scissors helps too.
Small habits, better hand sewing
Cut your thread no longer than the distance from your fingertips to your elbow. Longer thread tangles and knots.
Throw a needle away as soon as it bends or feels rough. A damaged needle marks the fabric.
Keep needles in their packet or a needle book, so you always know which type you are holding.
Use a thimble for heavy fabric. It feels odd for a day and then you cannot sew without it.
Tell us what you are sewing
We will hand you the right packet at our shop on the 1st floor of Sarit Centre.
Shop hand sewing needlesOr call us on +254 798 316860
Prices correct at the time of writing.
