Welcome to our first ever 'Needle Knowhow' feature.

Over the next 6 months we'll be bringing you 6 exclusive features from industry leaders John James Needles with all the technical advice and information you'll ever need to know about the different needles you may come across on your stitching journey.

We'll be covering everything from beading and quilting to darning and embroidery. Plus, each month we'll be offering you the chance to win the entire Pebble range!

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First-up, we're focusing on the Tapestry needle.

What is a tapestry needle?

Commonly known as the cross stitch needle, there's no set rule on the name and description of a tapestry needle. It's probably the most well-used needle in our collection and it will be in yours too, if you're a cross stitch addict! The tapesty needle comes in a variety of sizes, dependant on the fabric being used.

Typically the smaller needle sizes: 22, 24, 26 and 28 are classed as cross stitch needles and the larger 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 are classed as tapestry needles. 

How can I tell if my needle is a tapestry needle?

Whatever the size, you'll notice they all feature large eyes and a blunt round tips. The large eye of a tapestry needle allows the user to thread tapestry yarn, stranded cotton orfloss much easier than a small one. The blunt round tip makes it easier for the needle to pass through the holes in the fabric without it tearing or splitting the fibres. This needle is designed to  pass through the holes already in the fabric, not pierce it.

Which size tapestry needle do I need?

Large sized tapestry needles (size 13  -16) are designed for use on 6hpi (hole per inch) plastic canvas, rug canvas and children's Binca, making them ideal for youngsters starting out in cross stitch. The medium needles (sizes 18 and 20) are used on 10hpi double-thread tapestry canvas and cross stitch aida, whilst the smaller needles (22 and 24) are deigned for use on 12, 14 ad 16 count aida fabric.

The smallest sized tapestry needles (26 and 28) are perfect for evenweave users. Their tiny tips make them ideal for passing through 18 count aida or 26/28 count evenweave. They're also great for stitching on single thread fabrics, where the holes you'll be stitching through are much smaller than normal.

What are the Pebble sets for?

John James sell a great variety of tapestry needle sets in handy cases called Pebbles. They start at just £1.25 and each set of needles are represented by a different colour so you can easily tell them apart. Their oval shapes mean they're easy to hold, transport and store. It's like they say; great things come in small packages!

This lilac Pebble (code JJP19884) is the tapestry case and includes 6 needles in the most popular sizes. There's one size 18 needle, one size 20 needle, two size 22 needles and two size 24 needles. Click here to see the entire range of Pebbles on offer.

* WIN the entire Pebble range from John James Needles! *

If you fancy getting your mitts on all the needles we'll be talking about in our 'Needle Knowhow' features, click here to enter our Pebble competition.

Each month we'll be running a new competition, so if you're unlucky this time, you can check back next month and try again.

For more information on tapestry needles, visit the John James website.