11 best hand quilting needles

Hand quilting needles are specialized sewing needles designed for the art of quilting by hand. Quilting is a craft that involves stitching together multiple layers of fabric to create a decorative and functional textile. Hand quilting needles play a crucial role in this process. Here's what you need to know about them:

  1. Needle Types: Hand quilting needles come in various types and sizes, each suited for different aspects of quilting. The primary types include between needles, quilting needles, and appliqué needles.

  2. Between Needles: These needles are typically longer and have a round or oval eye. They are designed for the initial stages of quilting when you are stitching the quilt layers together. Between needles allow you to make long, even stitches through the quilt sandwich (top fabric, batting, and backing fabric) with ease.

  3. Quilting Needles: Quilting needles are shorter and sharper than between needles. They are used for creating smaller, more precise stitches when quilting intricate designs or adding decorative stitching to the quilt top. Quilting needles are also suitable for "tie quilting," where you create knots with thread to secure the layers.

  4. Appliqué Needles: Appliqué needles are smaller and finer than both between and quilting needles. They are designed for appliqué work, where you attach smaller pieces of fabric to the quilt top. These needles allow for delicate, almost invisible stitches.

  5. Needle Sizes: Hand quilting needles come in various sizes, typically labeled with numbers. Smaller numbers indicate larger needles, while larger numbers denote finer needles. The choice of needle size depends on the thickness of your fabric and thread, as well as your personal preferences for stitching.

  6. Eye Type: Hand quilting needles may have different types of eyes, such as round or oval. The eye should be large enough to accommodate the thread you plan to use comfortably.

  7. Material: These needles are usually made of high-quality steel or nickel-plated steel, which provides durability and sharpness.The material ensures that the needle glides smoothly through the fabric layers without causing snags or distortion.

  8. Thimble Use: When hand quilting, many quilters use a thimble to protect their fingers. Thimbles come in various styles, including metal, leather, and plastic. They help push the needle through the layers of fabric while protecting your fingertips from needle pricks.

  9. Thread Choice: The type of thread you use with hand quilting needles is also essential. Quilters often prefer strong, fine threads such as quilting thread or embroidery thread for their projects.

Hand quilting is a skill that requires practice and patience. The choice of hand quilting needles, along with other tools and materials, can significantly impact the final outcome of your quilting projects. Experimenting with different needle types and sizes will help you find the ones that best suit your quilting style and preferences.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best hand quilting needles on the market
  

Dritz 3045 Quilter's Betweens Hand Needles, Size 3/9 (20-Count)

Dritz

Based on 83 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dritz has an extensive line of quilting notions created with innovation and quality to provide you with the tools needed to create beautiful memories. Dritz Quilter's Betweens Needles are short needles with a small round eye for quilting and detailed handiwork. Package contains 20 Assorted Size needles.

  • Short needles with a small round eye
  • For quilting and detailed handiwork
  • Stainless Steel needles made of 100% Carbon Steel
  • Package contains 20 assorted needles
  • Assorted sizes: 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9

User questions & answers

Question: stainless steele needles made of
Answer: Hi, Bigwasp tattoo needle cartridges Generation 3 are more solid and smooth. Sets in very consistent.

Big Eye Hand Quilting Needles-Size 10 20/Pkg

Bohin

Based on 219 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Big Eye Hand Quilting Needles: Betweens. This package contains 20 Size 10 hand-quilting needles with big eyes. Use betweens for ordinary sewing in tight and thick material.

  • Big Eye Hand Quilting Needles-Size 10 20/Pkg

User questions & answers

Question: Where are these needles made
Answer: Maybe just the name I think,these two machines look almost the same..
Question: How long are the needles
Answer: The makeup machine won’t have the power to push bigger needle sizes if your trying to do tattoos. You need a bigger machine.
Question: i need a cap or whatever it iscalled to hold spoolof thread in placewhat are they called
Answer: If it uses cartridges then yes it will. These aren’t special custom cartridges they will fit most machines definitely dragon hawk assuming it uses cartridges.

Fons & Porter 7746 Hand Quilting Needles, Size 7, 9, 10 with Needle Grabber, 20-Count

Fon & Porter

Based on 111 reviews Check latest price

Product description

These Fons & Porter Hand Quilting Between Needles set the standard for hand quilting needles. Beginning quilters are encouraged to start with a size 7 needle and then move to a shorter needle as they progress. This package contains 20 Ct. Fons & Porter Hand Quilting Needles with 8 each size 7, 8 each size 9, and 4 each size 10 between needles with bonus needle grabber included.

  • Perfect for the beginning quilter
  • Nickel-Plated Steel
  • Bonus Needle Grabber Included
  • This package contains 20 Ct. Fons & Porter Hand Quilting Needles with 8 each size 7, 8 each size 9, and 4 each size 10 between needles

User questions & answers

Question: Is the eye of these needles round or oblong
Answer: Hi, We're sorry but we don't offer. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Question: Are they easy to thread
Answer: Hola, Lo sentimos, pero estas no son agujas surtidas. ¿Que tamaños de agujas nos encargó?
Question: Can you use for crochet yarn have difficult time cant see need large eye for yarn
Answer: Hi, 30/11M1 means 1011M1 which are Bugpin Magnums #10 in diameter (0.30mm) .
Question: Is it possible to choose case color? on the photo it is blue, but i got green. i hate green! how can i get a blue one
Answer: Yes, sure, I used it for my bigwasp cartridges.
Question: I am a guy and I just want to sew on a button....will this work ok
Answer: Revommend 5-7V for tattoo work.
Question: Are they good for mending or hemming
Answer: I bought it for tattoo working.

Product features

About Us

At Dritz, we are all about creating and inspiring. Over ten decades the passion of thousands of creative minds have combined to craft products that are as innovative as their ideas. These people and products have molded a brand that is now famed by DIY enthusiasts across the globe. Makers and doers everywhere look to Dritz to help them bring their ideas to life. A company that took root as a small family business in New York City, has grown to be one of the iconic crafting and sewing companies.

Colonial Needle Quilting/Betweens Hand Needles-Size 5/10 20/Pkg

Colonial Needle

Based on 54 reviews Check latest price

Product description

John James Between / Quilting Needles Assorted Sizes 5/10 20ct.20/card Made in England. Finest Quality English Needles. The perfect start to any project. Made in United Kingdom.

  • Finest Quality English Needles
  • These are a great way to add extra design to whatever project you want to add it to
  • The perfect start to any project

Big Eye Quilting Hand Needles-Size 10 12/Pkg

Colonial Needle

Based on 280 reviews Check latest price

Product description

John James Big Eye Between / Quilting Needles Size 10 20ct.20 count package. The perfect start to any project. Made in United Kingdom.

  • Finest Quality English Needles
  • These are a great way to add extra design to whatever project you want to add it to
  • The perfect start to any project

User questions & answers

Question: is the eye big enough to thread thin yarn through? i'm doing a felt project with my students
Answer: Yes, we can make the size into 72x87, just email us, we will provide you with the purchase link. We will send order details with you to make sure that the top is what you need.
Question: Do they bend or break easily
Answer: Each 72x102 panel is about 4.4 lb (2kg)
Question: What does size 10 mean
Answer: 4 x 44 x 33 inches, they are listed towards the bottom of the page.
Question: which lenth is the longest 9,10,or ii
Answer: Hi, Single Stack Magnum is used for Shading. thanks

Colonial Needle JJP12039 Pebbles Quilting Needles-Size 3/9 16/Pkg

Colonial Needle

Based on 40 reviews Check latest price

Product description

John James Pebbles Between / Quilting Needles Assorted Sizes 3/9 16ct Cafe Lait. Pebbles are designed to store the finest quality hand sewing needles safely, making them instantly visible and easily accessible in sewing box, craft bag, top drawer and even handbag. Each needle style is offered in its own elegant and distinctive color Pebble for quick identification. The perfect start to any project. Made in China.

  • Finest Quality English Needles
  • These are a great way to add extra design to whatever project you want to add it to
  • Each needle style is offered in its own elegant and distinctive color Pebble for quick identification
  • Country Of Origin : China

User questions & answers

Question: how do you open the plastic case
Answer: We would suggest Pleated Top

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

Colonial Needle

Based on 61 reviews Check latest price

Product description

John James Between / Quilting Needles Size 8 20ct.20/card Made in England. Finest Quality English Needles. The perfect start to any project. Made in United Kingdom.

  • Finest Quality English Needles
  • These are a great way to add extra design to whatever project you want to add it to
  • The perfect start to any project
  • Country of Origin: Wales

User questions & answers

Question: Do you have quilting thimbles
Answer: You’ll want to use a double sided tape. I bought scotch squares rated for up to 15lbs. This is more than enough to keep them in place. I wouldn’t bother trying anything else to mount them.
Question: What does 5/10 mean
Answer: I imagine, but you'd likely have to cover one side of the whole door.

Dritz 3047 Quilter's Basting Hand Needles, Size 7 (6-Count)

Dritz

Based on 235 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dritz has an extensive line of quilting notions created with innovation and quality to provide you with the tools needed to create beautiful memories. Dritz Quilter's Basting Hand Needles are long, fine, needles that penetrate easily through quilt layers without shifting. Package contains 6 each, Size 7 Quilter's Basting Needles.

  • Long, fine, basting needles
  • Easily penetrate through quilt layers without shifting
  • Package contains 6 each, size 7 basting hand needles

User questions & answers

Question: Are these thinner for lightweight fabrics
Answer: Hi, thank you for your interest in this screen. Yes, it has two flat back legs that extend a few inches back to keep the screen from tipping over.
Question: how long is the longest needle in the package
Answer: It's all brushed silver stainless steel.
Question: I'm doing some embroidery on my bed comforter and I'm needing a long needle. Would these accomodate 6-strand embroidery floss
Answer: Stiff
Question: Exactly how long is the longest needle
Answer: Many different aspects make it better - design, durability, density, ease of installation etc. In terms of true acoustical solutions, these superdense acoustic wall panels are 5 - 8x denser at a density of 230kg/m³ compared to studio wedge foam that only has a density of 25-40kg/m³ at most. (Denser panels absorb sound and cancel noise better)

Product features

About Us

At Dritz, we are all about creating and inspiring. Over ten decades the passion of thousands of creative minds have combined to craft products that are as innovative as their ideas. These people and products have molded a brand that is now famed by DIY enthusiasts across the globe. Makers and doers everywhere look to Dritz to help them bring their ideas to life. A company that took root as a small family business in New York City, has grown to be one of the iconic crafting and sewing companies.

Dritz 56B-7 Quilting Betweens Hand Needles, Size 7 (20-Count)

Dritz

Based on 107 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Dritz Quilting Betweens Hand Needles are short needles with round eyes for quilting and detailed handwork. This package contains 20 each of size 7 Quilting Betweens Needles.

  • Short needles with round eyes for quilting and detailed handwork
  • European Quality
  • This package contains 20 each of size 7 Quilting Betweens Needles

Product features

About Us

At Dritz, we are all about creating and inspiring. Over ten decades the passion of thousands of creative minds have combined to craft products that are as innovative as their ideas. These people and products have molded a brand that is now famed by DIY enthusiasts across the globe. Makers and doers everywhere look to Dritz to help them bring their ideas to life. A company that took root as a small family business in New York City, has grown to be one of the iconic crafting and sewing companies.

28 PCS Large Eye Sharp Sewing Needles 1.5-2.5 in - Stainless Steel Hand Quilting Needles Four Sizes in a Handy Storage Tube

Based on 89 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A big set of needles large eye has outstanding quality.

Sturdy big eyed sewing needles made of stainless steel are very sharp and have a smooth polished surface.

Running a thread through the large eye of these sewing needles is unbelievably simple. Even a person with poor eyesight and a lack of coordination can handle it.

Package includes:

7 x 1.5 inch, large eyed sewing needles

7 x 1.75 inch, large eyed sewing needles

7 x 2 inch, large eyed sewing needles

7 x 2.5 inch, large eyed sewing needles

1 x Needle threader

1 x Clear storage tube

Specifications:

Material: Stainless steel

Color: Silver

Point: Sharp

Total Quantity: 28 needles

WARNING: Please keep it away from CHILDREN and PETS!

  • HIGH QUALITY: large eye needles for hand sewing made of rust-resistant stainless steel.
  • HUGE SET: consists of 28 pcs embroidery needles for hand sewing (4 different sizes: 1.5'', 1.75'', 2'', 2.5'')
  • COMFORTABLE USE: each big eye needle has a smooth polished surface making it easier to line a smooth stitch.
  • SAFE STORAGE: this set of needles with big eye comes with a transparent plastic tube. Carry and store all your needles conveniently and securely.
  • VARIOUS USE: large hole needle work very well for embroidery, hand sewing, thin leather projects, darning, etc.

DMC 1766-9 Quilting Hand Needles, 20/pkg, Size 9

Based on 17 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Premium grade nickel plated steel needles. For those who like short needles in tiny sizes and for quilters especially quilting needles are best. Because it is so short and fits well between your fingers, you can control it easily without bending it out of shape.

  • Premium Grade Nickel Plated Steel Needles
  • For Those Who Like Short Needles In Tiny Sizes And For Quilters Especially Quilting Needles Are Best
  • Because It Is So Short And Fits Well Between Your Fingers, You Can Control It Easily Without Bending It Out Of Shape
  • Model Number: 1766-9

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