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.

Welcome to our third 'Needle Knowhow' feature.

Last month we covered everything you need to know about embroidery needles, but this month we're going crazy for ebellishments with this special beading feature.

We've got three more features to share with you yet, as industry leaders John James Needles present all the technical advice and information you'll ever need - so don't forget to check back next month!

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This month, we're focusing on beading needles, so scroll down and test your knowledge!

What is a beading needle?

Beading needles have been designed to make it easdier when threading the smallest seed bead or bugle bead and attaching it to your work. They are commonly used for bead embroidery and as the name suggests are also used in the art of applying beads or sequins to freestyle embroidery work.

They are the finest needles offered within the hand sewing needle industry, designed for the sewing anthusiast.

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

Beading needles have very fine diameters and this reflects on the size of the eye, which can be extremly small. They are desgined to make it easdier when threading the smallest seed bead or bugle bead.

The needles are made from the finest wire, in fact, each size of beading needle from John James are made from different diameters of wire, making them very unique - and very fragile. They should be handled with tender loving care, any additional strength placed on a beading needle can cause it to snap.

Which size beading needle do I need?

Beading needles are available in sizes 10, 12, 13 and 15, but traditionally the most popular sizes are 10 and 12 which  are also recommended for the beginner to use. If you're looking to use a beading needle in the art of jewellery making, then size 13 and 15 are likely to be most suited.

If your a beginner, you could invest a dreamy turquoise beading Pebble (code JJP10503)  at the top of this post, which includes 4 beading needles - 2 x size 10 and 2 x size 12.

Here are a few more beading needles you may discover:

1. Short beading needles, sometimes referred to as Ballpoint Bead Emboidery needles are idea for applying beads or sequins to canvas work. Their blunt tips mean that they easily pass through the canvas without splitting the fibres.

2. Curved beading needles are ideal for the art of box making when using fine fabrics such as silk or its equivalent. They come in size 10 and are manually curved during the manufacturing process.

3. Short beading needles with sharp points (offered in sizes 10 and 12) are shorter than the standard beading needles but have sharp points so they can pass through denser fabrics.

4. Long beading needles, which are only available in size 12, are extra long (76mm long to be precise!) and come in envelope packs containing 25 needles or in a bulk purchases of 1,000 needles.

Bid farewell to the winter and welcome the spring with a visit to the Country Living Magazine Spring Fair.

From 21 – 25 March 2012, The Business Design Centre (in Islington, London) will play host to 400 exhibitors heralding the start of the spring with their new product ranges and lots of demonstrations and craft workshops to get involved in.  Ooh, our favourite.

Visit www.countrylivingfair.com or call 0844 848 0160 to order your tickets today and take advantage of a special advance ticket price of £11.50 (usually £16.00) by quoting code CLSPRING3 when you order.

Or, enter our exciting competiton to win a FREE pair of tickets! We've got three pairs to giveaway, so make sure you enter the competition (using the keyword SPRING) before 5th March to be in with a chance.