Introduction to Foxglove Cottage Needles

An introduction to some of the Foxglove Cottage needles we stock

SHARPS: Sharp needles are sometimes referred to as applique needles. A good all-purpose hand sewing needle.

We stock a Sharps needle card which contains one each of every size of Sharps needle. It is an inexpensive way to sample all the different sizes to find the right one for your project and your hand.

The sampler pack includes 1 of each of the following sizes

  • size 11
  • size10
  • size 9
  • size 8

    UTILITY QUILTING NEEDLES: They are the needle of choice for hand quilting with large stitches. These needles allow for easy threading of perle cotton, crochet cotton or yarn. 

    We stock a Sampler card that contains one each of all four Utility Quilting Needles.

    Pack includes 1 of each of the following sizes

    • size 11
    • size10
    • size 9
    • size 8

      STRAW : Best known for use in hand applique, these needles have a narrow shank that glides easily through several layers of fabric. The eye of the needle is punched within the shank, it does not hesitate at the eye when pulled through fabric. The needle is also useful for basting, hand piecing & applique. Straw needles make needle-turn applique easy & smooth

      We stock a sampler that includes 1 of each of the following sizes

      • size 11
      • size10
      • size 9
      • size 8

        REDWORK/EMBROIDERY:  To meet the specialized needs of decorative stitching, the embroidery needle is longer than other needles. Its eye is also customized for embroidery. Two or three strands of thread, flattened between the fingers, fit easily through the elongated eye. This selection of needles varies in size for use in many different embroidery projects.    

        We stock these needles in tubes of 16/tube

        • size 11 embroidery/redwork
        • size 10 embroidery/redwork
        • size 9 embroidery/redwork
        • size 8 embroidery/redwork
        • size 7 embroidery/wool applique

            Because of its extra length, the size 7, is excellent for wool applique.

            BETWEENS: Betweens needles were designed specifically for hand quilting. More specifically, they were made for the traditional hand quilting done at a quilting frame or hoop. When using the traditional "rocker" method of hand quilting, the needle's short shank provides easy control. The Betweens needle is thicker than other needles, giving it added strength for moving through a quilt's multiple layers. Equally small quilting stitches are possible with any size of Betweens needles. Make your needle choice based on its comfort in your hand and your ability to thread it.  

            We stock a sampler card that contains one each of every size of Betweens needle. It is an inexpensive way to sample all of the different sizes to find the right one for your quilting method and your hand

            Pack includes 1 of each of the following sizes

            • size 12
            • size11
            • size 10
            • size 9
            • size 8

              Notes taken from the “Foxglove Cottage” who supply our needles.