by Sandra | July 21st, 2011
I thought I would never change my applique needle. It is comfortable in my hand, I can maneuver it well even in the smallest of areas. It is perfect.
Well it was. I received one of the most thoughtful birthday presents from my friend and in the treasure box, she had put some of these new needles from Clover. I have never been keen on Clover needles, but she really liked them and thought I would too.
I haven’t been able to stitch until today and I decided to give them a go. WOW! I am in love with this needle. I did not think my stitches could get much better or more invisible, but they did–instantly. I was amazed at how quickly I noticed the difference. This needle humbled me.
They are so sharp and they make other needles seem like they drag through the fabric in comparison. I normally use a #11 sharp Roxanne’s, but these new Black Gold Clover needles do not come in size 11. Maybe I will send an email begging to the company to make a size 11?
The needle size I used is the Black Gold no. 12 applique/sharp. Be careful you don’t get the in-between needles if you are interested in trying these out for applique. Of course I think I could go for some hand quilting with some quilting needles in this line. I have a feeling the needles would be amazing to quilt with.
The two down sides to using this needle, and this is purely personal preference, are:
-The needle is a bit shorter in length than my usual needle so my puffy fingers (having not been exercised recently) kind of had a hard time with the grip. I think this was more due to the fact I had been away from stitching for awhile rather than a problem that couldn’t be overcome.
-The price. Six needles for $5.50. Yee-owch. Compared to my Roxanne 50 needle vials, this is a bit rich in comparison. However, after experiencing such an instantaneous difference, I am willing to skip a few dinners to pay for them.
I have put in an order for some size 10 needles to try out and I am anxious to see the size difference between them. My guess is the size 10′s will be comparable to my size 11 Roxanne’s and other than the price and being a little bit hungry, I will be in stitching heaven.
If you run across these needles (kind of hard to find right now in shops) and you have a few extra dollars to spare, buy them and try them out. You just might fall in love all over again with your needle! They may help you lose weight too. If only.
Thank you for one of the best birthday presents ever dear friend!
Sandra, If you think those needles are good, you really ought to try the John James Gold’n Glide needles. I have been using the Gold’n Glide for several years now for hand applique, hand piecing and hand quilting, and I love them. A year or so ago, I saw the Clover Black Gold needles in a magazine and I ordered some to try. Compared to the Gold’n Glide needles, the Clover needles seem to really drag through the fabric / batting. Whereas the Gold’n Glide slide through like the often mentioned “hot knife through butter”. Drop me an e-mail with your snail mail address and I’ll gladly send you some of the Gold’n Glide needles to try, if you’re interested. I just thought I would share my two cents. Best regards and Happy Stitching, Jay
I had tried these needles sometime ago and I too love them. I’m with you on how smooth and sharp they are. I do hope they will catch on with others and more shops will carry them.
I’m always looking for new needles to try – thanks for the review:)
Laura T
Yes, I love these needles, too! Discovered them in California last year at the Beverly’s fabric/craft stores. The dark shaft is more visible and they work like a dream in the Clover automatic threader.
You have the nicest friends!! I’m getting the idea that I should probably just sort of experiment with needles and supplies sometimes – just to do it. Recently, I had a conversation with Clover-USA about the discontinuation of one of my must-have needles. Long story short is that I have to start auditioning needles for when my stock pile is shot. Grrrr. I was thinking about ordering a small quantity of several different kinds that other people, including yourself, mentioned that they like for different things. It just never occurred to me that something I count on so much COULD go away, and that would force me to find something else I could even use, never mind be happy with.
I will have to look for them.
I love the Thimblelady needles, but they are hard to find also.
Thanks for the tip.
Hi, Sandra,
I just saw these needles recommended and ordered them. I have yet to try them, maybe tonight. Your recommendation means a lot!
Lisa
Since you recommended them, I am going to try them out. My Purple Finch pattern arrived, I absolutely love it, thank you so much!
I have been using these needles for about a year now and would not tread them for any other kind. I think I have convereted about 10 others in our appliques group. I your local quilt shop does not carry them you can always order them on line.
They look interesting. I’ve tried Roxanne needles and I’m not surprised that these could be better. I find Roxanne needles very thick and hard to push through the fabric. I like milliner’s needles personally but I might try to find these Clover ones in Australia.
These needles sound lovely! And short isn’t a problem for me because I have little hands (I wear a size 4 thimble on my pointer finger). Could someone tell me how long these needles are? I’m currently using English needles by Jean S. Lyle (www.jslyle.com) that Suzanne Marshall got me started with, and I’ve been very happy with them, but I have to mail order them. I use the same needle for applique and quilting (as does Suzanne). The needle is just an inch long. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your needle gift with us. Like you, I have been using the Roxanne #11. Just called our local store that carries a good selection of needles, but as they had not heard of them she will check with their Rep.
I have not had good luck with their needles either, so might have to try these. I use the john james, they work the best for needle turn. I use jo anns coupons for my supplies, helps to cut the cost down.
Debbie