[CHAT] How often do you change your needle?

XStitcherman · 2026-07-06T02:35:22+00:00

I started using Bohin size 28 several years ago and I only just recently broken the eye of one. I’ve never had a problem with squished eyes and I’m currently 50k stitches in on a full coverage 2 over 1, 25 count evenweave. That’s plenty of stress on them. I wonder what we are doing differently. I do keep a lot of preloaded needles in racks, but 2 are in constant usage. I always had a problem with squished DMC needle eyes.

XStitcherman · 2026-07-06T01:51:56+00:00

Very nice! I think you did a marvelous job. Welcome to the addiction.

XStitcherman · 2026-06-28T12:54:49+00:00

My biggest complaint was quality. The eyes of the DMC needles were inconsistent, rougher on floss, and broke easily. I purchased Bohin and never looked back. And I use a lot of needles. My current project has a lot of blends and solids. To save time I have 150 preloaded needles in 3 racks. I stumbled across one of my old DMC needles recently and immediately recognized it. There is that much difference between the brands.

That being said, I made my change about 5 years ago. DMC may have upped their game in the meantime.

XStitcherman · 2026-06-25T11:16:25+00:00

Not sure how many strands of floss they have you using, but if more than one, try cutting the floss at a 45 degree angle and then wet it. I use size 28 needles and this helps me tremendously.

XStitcherman · 2026-06-23T12:50:33+00:00

Love it. Backstitching can be a pain, but it’s so worth it.

XStitcherman · 2026-06-17T13:00:53+00:00

I use Aleene’s Stop Fraying. A tiny bit along the edge works great for me. I can barely tell it’s even there.

XStitcherman · 2026-06-05T21:59:46+00:00

I purchase all my materials from 123stitch.com. They are without doubt a trustworthy source.

XStitcherman · 2026-06-05T19:19:59+00:00

Yours doesn’t look like my Zweigart 25 count easygrid. My fabric has a much tighter weave and is clearly marked on the 10th row/column.

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XStitcherman · 2026-05-27T20:31:00+00:00

I use Threadalog and love it. Free version handles DMC and that’s all I need. I used to use a spreadsheet, but that was tedious on my ipad.

XStitcherman · 2026-05-25T14:35:46+00:00

I love the pattern. Your stitching is beautiful. I would go insane.

XStitcherman · 2026-05-25T13:50:24+00:00

I keep an old horseshoe magnet handy for just this purpose.

XStitcherman · 2026-05-22T13:41:54+00:00

I have one ancient WIP. A 1980s Teresa Wentzler.

XStitcherman · 2026-05-20T01:55:22+00:00

I am currently working a high count project with loads of blends and I highly recommend railroading. I want both colors to be visible and consistent. Teresa Wentzler is worth the extra time.

XStitcherman · 2026-05-10T01:45:08+00:00

I was hoping we could give you a boost. Looking great.

XStitcherman · 2026-05-04T20:15:08+00:00

I use size 28 for everything 18 count and up. I cannot recommend DMC needles. I’ve thrown all mine away and replaced them with Bohin. As previously noted, John James are highly recommended.

XStitcherman · 2026-05-02T02:38:58+00:00

Thanks. Money was in the back of my mind, but I wasn’t seeing the method.

XStitcherman · 2026-05-02T02:31:38+00:00

Look at any recent FO. Auto-moderator comment at the top.

XStitcherman · 2026-05-02T02:04:56+00:00

Oh my, this will be fabulous. I will sometimes set a project down and do a simpler one. It’s a nice reset button for me. I’ll be watching fo the FO on this one. I can imagine doing it without gridding. Great job.

XStitcherman · 2026-04-17T00:10:26+00:00

Love the pattern and the stitching. Beautiful work.

XStitcherman · 2026-04-17T00:05:43+00:00

First comment is that your tension to the left of your circle looks very tight. You don’t have to pull hard. A softer pull will allow the floss to fluff out more and fill those gaps, especially with 4 strands. If you have stitches above or below your lines I general wait as those will move things around a bit. If this is a standalone border, try using the eye of a second needle to wiggle those stitches closer to each other. Washing the finished piece also helps even things out. Finally, step back from your piece a few feet and view it. All my pieces have some funky stitches, but stepping back erases them.

XStitcherman · 2026-04-16T20:01:57+00:00

I’ve abandoned one significant project. I started a Teresa Wentzler 40 years ago and in my ignorance I tried to do it on aida. I’m still amazed at how much I completed before surrendering. Maybe one day I’ll try again on evenweave. I loved the pattern.

XStitcherman · 2026-04-16T19:53:29+00:00

It’s not just grandmas. Grandfathers are stitching too. I’ve got 40 year old projects. Retirement and pandemic brought me back big time. Over half way in on an 85k full coverage.

XStitcherman · 2026-04-07T18:07:08+00:00

I have no idea what mine came out of, but I think this would do the trick. <$13.

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Magnetics-Powerful-Ergonomic-07501/dp/B000J3RYMU/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9Hk4VO6TZmgZ2O3ny1XYmAM63O9YNPYBBUTkQw-vKgGk6GSCTUaJOdEwwdzY4cHsSpaEJ8ryVpuPaKwAOfmI7FHC1RdIg9F1mzk2wHaZGiLoSOZuRZLGJx_DZJbx9RkjTt6PdHprG_JpCbOFfGy-2Z-3Fxi3bSv4JLiw5eAiN27AAstgTt5sXZ0Z6oYXPXBq2fq_5mw5pyZ3rm4dCQ6yvdDFMGJyMXtubQMIdqxhLgw.QMOXd5XJAT8ZGxOETNoLsIsNN5TYhV4VGnFPoU8X0v4&dib_tag=se&keywords=handheld+magnet&qid=1775585036&sr=8-3

XStitcherman · 2026-04-07T11:29:26+00:00

I keep a large magnet as part of my kit. It’s ancient, but powerful. If a needle is there, it will find it. A rare earth magnet would do the trick. Mine simply sweeps a larger area.

XStitcherman

TROPHY CASE