DMC needles are reliable tapestry needles with smooth shafts, clean eyes, and complete plating. What more could you want in a needle? They are made in France. By contrast, needles made in China have very poor quality control. You'll find burrs in the eyes most commonly, and the burrs will snag your thread, fray it, and upset you. Chinese needles are the ones found in kits. Throw them out right away; do not be tempted to "save" them. Buy these DMC needles. English needles (such as John James) are also excellent quality. Now to some details about which size needle to choose. The larger the number, the coarser the wire used to make the needle. Choose a #24 if you are new to stitching. If it seems big in your hand, go to a #26; a #26 is what I use (on 14-ct Aida or 28-count linen with x stitches made over two threads. A #28 is for very small stitches (such as on 32-count fabric). In fabric, the larger the number means the more threads there are per inch. 14-ct Aida makes stitches equivalent in size to 28-count evenweave (such as linen) bcs you are working over 2 fabric threads. Another reason to choose a #24 is what the needle is designed to do. Yes, it carries the thread, but it also -opens- the fabric so the thread can pass thru that hole with a minimum of abrasion. Abrasion is what causes thread to look "flat" and ugly. To avoid this, cut your thread no more than 15" long. Yes, you will use more thread bcs you'll have to start and stop more often than if you used a 36" piece of thread. That 36" thread will be passing thru the fabric a huge number of times and will get ugly fast if you use such a long length. You can always buy more floss (which is cheap), but you can never get back your time. As I tell my students, "Floss is cheap, and we know where to get more!" (And who knows what else we might find!) I'd also say to use a #24 for any stamped embroidery (quilt top, picture, bed linen, etc.); use 2 strands. That fabric has a high thread count, and you'll need something large to open the space between the fabric threads bcs they're packed in there tightly. When purchasing here, make sure you select the right size. I think #28 is shown here as the default. Two strands in this needle eye is pretty crowded, so a #28 can be a challenge to thread. A #28 is not the choice for stamped surface embroidery! Look for the #24. If you are doing crewel with two strands of wool, select a #24 to start with; you might want a #22 if you find the thread is looking nasty pretty quickly. And cut the pieces 15" max. Wool abrades much more quickly than cotton. Silk and rayon are more delicate than cotton; 12" max. Wish we could all stitch together so I can answer more of your questions and let you explore the ins and outs, tricks and tips to creating beautiful needlework. (You might be able to find some of my stuff if you do a search.) Meanwhile, choose a #24 for surface embroidery. Martha Beth
