Welcome to our 5th 'Needle Knowhow' feature.

Last month we covered everything you need to know about Chenille needles, but this month we're filling you in on Quilting needles.

We've got one last features to share with you next month, as industry leaders John James Needles present all the technical advice and information you'll ever need to know.

* 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 the Quilting needle, also known as a Between needle.

What is a Quilting needle?

Traditionally this needle was used by tailors and professional sewers and, of course, it's ideally suited to the art of quilting.

As a perfect starter kit, this classic beige Quilting Pebble (ref: JJP12039) contains the most popular sizes of needle's used in quilting. There's a total of 16 needles (sizes 3 - 9) in this one, for all your quilting needs!

How can I tell if mine is a Quilting needle?

Quilting needles are shorter than the average sewing needle and have round eyes. The diameter of a Quilting needle is the same as a Sharp needle. The short length of the needle allows the quilter to stitch far quicker than when using an ordinary needle.

What size Quilting needle should I be using?

Quilting needles come in varying sizes from size 1, right up to size 12. The most popular size of Quilting needles, used by the experieced quilters, are sizes 11 and 12. We would recommend that beginners try their hand at using a size 5, with the aim of progressing to a size 7 and 8 when they're ready. You'll find these beginner sizes in the Quilting Pebble, shown at the top of this post.

What different Quilting needles are available?

There are plenty of specialiast Quilting needles available from John James Needles, to suit your projects. All needles, to be fit for purpose, require a nickel plating which can unfortunately cause problems for crafters who have a nickel allergy. The best way to avoid this is to use either the Gold Plated or Platinum Plated needles below, which have an additional coating on top, acting as additional protection for the user.

*Please note that due to friction this layer will eventually wear off. This happens with any needle and therefore it is advisable to change your needles regularly.

Gold Plated Quilting Needles

For those of you wanting a prestigious luxury needle, the Gold Plated needles are hard to beat. The gold plating allows the needle to slip through the fabric beautifully and with ease. They come in sizes 8, 10 and 12... and would certainly make a perfect gift for any discerning sewer!

Platinum Plated Quilting Needles

As another part of the luxurious needle collection, these beautiful Platinum Plated needles have the same added benefits as the gold plated needles. They come in sizes 8 and 10 and are available in packs containing two needles.

Curved Quilting Needles

These curved shaped needles are curved in such as way that they form a semi-circle. Although this needle is not used directly to create quilting stitches, it is often used in the art of box making, prticularly  joining together quilted pieces to form a box. You can also buy these as a pack containing two needles.

Big Eye Quilting Needles

As the name suggests, these needles are quilting needles, with big eyes. Big Eye Quilting Needles are available in sizes 10 and 11. They're great for the quilter who prefers to use a fine needle, but has difficulty threading the eye. Remember - the finer the needle, the smaller the eye!

Long Darner Needles

It may be a darner, but it is worth mentioning that in a size 7, the Long Darner is also used in the art of quilting. It's known in the quilting world as a Basting Needle and is used to sew the layers of fabric and wadding together before commencing the quilting. This needle is 58mm long and has a diameter of 0.69mm.

As usual, we're running our monthly competition to WIN the entire range of Pebbles - that's a whopping 88 needles to add to your stash! You've got until 26th June to enter, good luck.

If you missed our previous 4 'Needle Knowhow' posts, here are the links you need to see them all:

TAPESTRY :: EMBROIDERY :: BEADING :: CHENILLE