View Full Version : Worn finish on needles...
Hi! My needles are pretty old and the finish has worn off my two favorite ones. This makes pulling through a bit of a challenge as the worn surfaces tend to catch on my stitches. Does anyone have any ideas on how to remedy this problem - hopefully short of buying new needles? I would love your thoughts and suggestions!! Thanks! :biggrin:
Tammy
09-04-2009, 02:42 AM
Try polishing them with either bees wax or thread heaven both are thread conditioners so shouldn't harm your threads when they come in contact with it. Beyond something like that I can't think of anything beyond buying new and trying to convince yourself they are your new favorites.
Thanks, Tammy! Good idea...will give it a go.
Krystledawne
09-04-2009, 06:32 AM
Mine turned out to just have tarnished, and a wad of never-dull took care of the problem.
Rachel Jackson
09-04-2009, 11:17 AM
Boy, can I relate to this one!!!
Clean your needles by running them through an emory cushion. Emory removes residue and is used to sharpen pins and needles, but is also handy to keep your tatting needles in top condition.
Another trick I use if the needles don't glide through the thread easy is to condition the thread AND needles with a dryer sheet. Just place the needle on a dryer sheet and slide it along making sure you get all surfaces. After the initial wipe, you can wipe the thread as you progress with your work. The dryer sheet will not leave a film or anything on your needle or thread and your work should fly along smoothly. There are a variety of dryer sheets out there and I usually use either non-scented or the lavender ones as they smell so lovely to me.
Hope this helps!
:thmbup:Wow! Thanks for all the suggestions!
Tammy
09-04-2009, 08:24 PM
Be careful if you are making tatting items as gifts and using dryer sheets if they have the scent that the recipient doesn't have allergies. I believe or lovely site owner is very allergic to lavender and the scent would send her into a migraine. I'm sure she isn't the only one with these types of problems.
Good point, Tammy. Thanks!