Welcome to our final 'Needle Knowhow' feature. We hope you've enjoyed these monthly features, hosted by industry leaders John James Needles.

Last month we covered Quilting needles, but this month to round-up this collaborative online feature with a bang we're filling you in on everything about Household needles.

* For your chance to WIN the ENTIRE SET of Pebbles, scroll down to enter our final competition!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This month, we're focusing on Household needles.

As a perfect starter kit, this bring pink Household Pebble (ref: JJP10300) contains the most popular types of needle's used in general sewing. There's a total of 12 needles in an assortment of sizes and varients, from sharps to darners. A must-have for any work box!

What are the most popular types of needle?

(A) Sharps are the most common hand sewing needles found in the home and are used for general sewing. They're also the most popular needle used by dressmakers around the world. Their small round eyes provides additional strength to the needles during the sewing process.

(B) Another really popular type of needle is the Darner. Short Darners are sometimes referred to as Cotton Darners and are commonly used in the art of mending and darning. They have long eyes making them easy to thread, especially when using yarn and mending cotton.

Both of these needles are available to purchase in a Household Assorted pack or under their own varient...

Welcome to our fourth 'Needle Knowhow' feature.

Last month we covered everything you need to know about delicate beading needles, but this month we're filling you in on a slightly larger range called chenille needles.

We've got two  features to share with you yet, as industry leaders John James Needles present all the technical advice and information you'll ever need.

* Plus, each month we're giving away the ENTIRE SET of Pebbles to one lucky reader!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -  

This month, we're focusing on chenille needles. As a perfect starter kit, this misty grey Pebble (ref: JJP18882) contains 6 chenille needles in sizes 18 - 22, but don't take our word for it. Scroll down to find out more about the chenille family.

What is a chenille needle?

Chenille needles are part of the embroidery needle range and are typically used for embroidery using yarn, twisted yarn and crewel wool, hence the name crewel embroidery.

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

The chenille needle is identical in size to the tapestry needle (the length and diameter are the same) but instead of a blunt round point, the chenille needle has a sharp point. You'll notice is has a large eye which is particularly useful for allowing the yarn to be threaded easily.

When should I be using a chenille needle?

These needles are designed to be used when embroidering on coarse and heavy fabrics, especially when creating Jacobean work. They're ideal for embroidery or appliqué work on chunky sweaters, for example.

You might find some people use them for sewing knitted and crochet pieces together, however it's worth taking note that care must be taken when doing so because the sharp point could split the fibres.​

What size chenille needle do I need?

Usage really depends on the openness of the fabric to be used. Size 13 and 14 are the lergest in the chenille family and are designed to be used with heavy fabrics, but the most popular are 16, 18, 20 and 22.