Cross-Stitching

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needle problem
Mon, Mar 22, 2010 9:14 AM
Posted by Nathalie
Hope you can help me on this one. I've been working on a cross stitch pattern and after a while (rather biog work) my needle doesn't glide very well through the fabric any more. It's not bend or anything it just doesn't glide very well. I rubbed it with a cloth a bit but this doesn't seem to help. Can anyone give me tips on what to do?
  • Reply from Ruby
    Tuesday, March 23, 2010 8:29 AM
    Nathalie, when this happens to me, i change needles. Go to top
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    Reply from Sherri
    Tuesday, March 23, 2010 8:25 PM
    Most likely, it's the acid in your skin eating through the coating on the needle, which makes it rough- and then, as you say, it doesn't glide very well. The PH of everyone's hands is different- some people can use needles a very long time- I have to throw them away fairly often. OR, you can use platinum plated needles, which are more expensive, but they are hypoallergenic and the acidity in your hands won't affect them. Gold plated ones last longer for the same reason, but platinum is a longer lasting prcious metal- you'll get much more wear out of them than the gold plated ones. Good luck!! Sherri Go to top
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      Reply from Nath
      Tuesday, March 30, 2010 4:59 AM
      Thanks, this sounds like a reasonable explanation. I found something in the shop of Silver needle called emery, it is said to clean needles do you know this ? Is it any good?
      Anyway think I'll give it a try and otherwise just use another needle like you suggested.


      Go to top

      • Reply from mkm1
        Tuesday, March 30, 2010 11:08 AM
        I have never used anything but the cheapest needles for 30 years. I do use several different sizes of cross stitch needles. The only problem I have had is occasionally misplacing my needles! The emery you saw is what is used in the "strawberry" that is attached to some pincushions. Its purpose is to keep needles smooth and free from rust. Yes, this would be of help. If you don't already have a pincushion with a strawberry, purchase one. Make sure it does use emery in it. The cheaper ones may not use this. mkm Go to top
      • Reply from Connie
        Saturday, April 24, 2010 9:49 PM
        Emeries were used extensively back when needles were expensive and hard to get. Running the needle through the emery removed burrs and rust. Today needles are pretty inexpensive and readily available, so replacing them is usually not a problem. However, if I don't have a replacement needle handy, I've found that running my needle through a dryer fabric softener sheet can make it glide more easily. Go to top