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!

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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.

You can buy packs of chenille needles in envelopes (like the images above) in varying sizes, but if you're organising workshops and classes, you might like to bulk buy an economy pack of 1000 to keep you going.

Chenille needles are also used in the art of ribbon embroidery with the following sizes being best suited to the different types of ribbon: Size 26 - for 2/4mm ribbon, size 24 - for 7mm ribbons, size 18 - for 13mm ribbons, size 13 - for 32mm ribbons. 

What are the Pebble sets for?

John James sell a great variety of needle sets in handy cases called Pebbles. They start at just £1.25 and each set of needles are represented by a different colour of Pebble 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!

* 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!

Keyword = ENTACO4

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 chenille needles, visit www.jjneedles.co.uk