What Needles to Use for Cross Stitch

Cross stitching is a unique type of sewing that involves making X-shaped stitches on fabric. You will need to count the strands of thread you will need to use before you start sewing when sewing.

The number of threads matters in this sewing so is the needle you use.

You can try cross stitching with a different kind of needle. Or use that which you use when stitching other garments.

However, you will realize that the needle you use will have an impact on your cross-stitch. The needle you use may stretch the fabric, and if it’s small, it may get lost in the fabric.

Therefore, you need to know the best needle to use for your cross stitch. This article guides you about it.

What Needles to Use for Cross Stitch?

A cross stitch will require a blunt tapestry needle. Such needles may come in different sizes, each to fit a particular fabric.

The eyes of tapestry needles are large, making it easy for threading. With this kind of needle, it will be easy to pass through the fabric.

Some sizes of the cross stitch needles include sizes 20,22, 24,26, and 28. You should select one that will work well with your fabric.

Types of Cross Stitch Needles

Everyone who does cross-stitching can attest that the needle they use can impact the results of their work. It is crucial to be wary when selecting the type of needle to use.

The size and type of the needle matter in cross-stitching; thus, you need to take your time before settling on a specific needle type.

This section will explain the different kinds of needles you can use for your cross-stitching.

1. Tapestry Needle

As mentioned above, the tapestry needle is the most common needle for cross-stitching. It features a blunt tip that ensures there is smooth sewing on the fabric.

The blunt edge also makes sure that there is no puncture on the fabric.

The tapestry needle also features a comprehensive eye. It will therefore be effortless for you to thread the needle.

It comes in different sizes with an average of 24 to 26. To select the correct size, first ensure you get the correct fabric count.

If getting the fabric count is hard, make a few stitches with the needle’s different sizes. This way, you will find out the best to use on the fabric you have.

2. Milliner’s needles

This needle also will be a good fit for cross stitch. It features a straight shaft and comes in different sizes.

For the eye, its width is the same as that of the shaft.

3. Big Eye Needle

As the name suggests, the big eye needle features a wide eye that makes it easy for you to thread. If you are doing cross stitching that needs beading, then this might be the best option.

This needle is excellent. However, it is pretty delicate; therefore, it needs to be handled with care.

Also, its end is quite blunt therefore making it a good fit for cross-stitching.

4. Twin needle

The twin needle can be great for cross stitching, especially when working with more than one thread. When using it, you need not turn your needle in a way that you rotate the floss.

This needle can perfectly fit stitching on a frame. Handling it is more of a skill you need to learn since the eye is at the needle’s center. This feature makes the needle delicate.

5. Beading needle

You may want to make the look of your cross stitch pop by adding in beads. If you decide to do so, of course, you can’t incorporate the standard sewing needle.

The beading needle is here to save you. It is super fine and perfectly works when stitching beads.

One thing you should consider when using it is the type of thread you use. Ensure you use a beading thread on it.

Any other type of floss can be difficult to thread.

How to Select the Right Needle for Your Cross Stitch?

Now that you are familiar with different types of needles you can use in your cross-stitch, it is also vital to know how to select the correct one. Remember, different fabrics will require different needles.

The case is genuine when you use different size needles on different size fabrics. Now, what will guide you to selecting a specific type of needle for cross stitch?

Below is what you should consider.

1. The Fabric Count

The fabric count may be one of the most important factors that should drive you into selecting a particular thread. In the sewing world, you will be dealing with different kinds of fabrics.

Some will have large holes meaning their fabric count is negligible. The ones with small holes represent a large fabric count.

When the fabric count is small, you will require a large needle. Consequently, when it is large, a small needle will be appropriate.

Using a large needle on a large fabric count may make the fabric stretch leaving large holes that may be hard to stitch. If you use a small needle on a small fabric count, it may cause large tears on your fabric.

2. Fabric Type You Are Using

The fabric you use will also determine the kind of needle you use. Though the tapestry needle fits almost all kinds of fabric, you cannot use it to sew some fabric.

For instance, if you’re cross-stitching a fabric with beads, the best stitching needle to use is the beading needle.

3. The Floss Used

The kind of needle you use for cross stitching will also depend on the type of floss you use. Some cross stitches require thick yarns.

It is, therefore, ideal to use a needle that has a more comprehensive eye. The same applies to a thin yarn. You will need a small-sized tapestry needle.

Things to Check on Your Needle Before Selecting It for Cross Stitching

1. Size of the Needle

Ensure that the diameter of the needle matches the width of the thread on the fabric. A narrow needle may not pass through a wide thread on the fabric.

2. The Tip of the Needle

Different needles have different tips. Some are blunt, and others sharp.

If your fabric is tight, such as linen, a sharp needlepoint will do the magic.

3. The Eyes of the Needle

As mentioned above, the eyes of the needle will vary depending on the size of the thread. It will also determine the number of strands of the floss you will use.

Still, on the needle, you need to ensure that you take care of them well. Or else, you may end up spending so much money.

Always make sure that you remove the needle from your project when you are not using it. This way, you will avoid creating unnecessary holes on the fabric that may make it stretch or even start fraying.

Is There a Difference Between Embroidery Needles and Cross Stitch Needles?

Yes. The eyes of embroidery needles are large. As such, to thread, it is pretty straightforward.

Also, the embroidery thread can be a great fit when dealing with multiple strands of thread. Cross stitch needles, on the other hand, will feature a blunt tip.

Moreover, their eye is quite large but not as large as the embroidery needle. The tip of the embroidery needle is quite sharp.

Which Is the Best Size Needle to Use for Cross Stitching?

There is no best size needle you can use. However, you can have a specific size of needle that will fit a particular cross-stitch.

One factor you should consider to come up with a specific size to use is the fabric count. If it is large, a small-sized needle will work well.

A small fabric count will need a large-sized needle.