Which Needles and Threads to Use?

Which Needles and Threads to Use?

Posted by Judy on May 18th 2017

I’ve never taken the time to learn about different needle and thread types, and which work best for different types of stitching. I asked several designers as well as my sisters Jeni and Gretchen for advice. Then, being the analyst I've always been, I created a handy chart that helps me see what’s what.  I hope it helps you, too.

Needle and Thread Chart

Purpose Needle Thread
Big-stitch quilting #7 Embroidery or wool appliqué needle

Size 11 quilting needles

12 Wt. perle cotton

Hand-quilting thread

Cotton appliqué

Needleturn appliqué

Size 11 appliqué needle

Size 11 milliner

100 Wt. silk

60 Wt. cotton

Embroidery #7, #9, or #10 Embroidery needle

Wool appliqué needle

#24 Chenille needle

12 Wt. perle cotton

50 Wt. cotton

Floss

Embroidery floss, with 2 strands

Piecing by hand Embroidery needle long enough to hold a lot of stitches

#9 is good length

50 Wt. cotton
Piecing by machine #80 Sewing machine needle 50 Wt. cotton
Shirring, standing wool Shirring needle 5-6” Heavy-duty thread
Whipstitch edge of rug Jumbo tapestry needle Yarn
Wool, wool appliqué

(on cotton and on wool)

#22, #24 Chenille needle

#7 - #9 Embroidery or wool appliqué needle

Large-eye embroidery needle

8 or 12 Wt. perle cotton

6-Strand floss, using 2 strands

2-Strand floss or wool thread

Any thickness