Most stitchers grab whatever needle is handy, but cross stitch needles actually come in different types and sizes — and knowing the difference between regular and petite tapestry needles can save your fabric from stretched, distorted holes.
I will admit that when I want to do a cross stitch pattern, I don’t really pay attention to the size of the needle, or even the kind of needle, that I’m using. I generally grab whatever is handy that has a big enough eye for my embroidery floss to go through. If it doesn’t warp the holes in my cross stitch fabric while making stitches, we’re good to go.
Of course I know there are “right” needles to use in different situations, but I don’t store my needles in such a way that I could tell you what kind of needle they are once I’ve used them once, even if they were the right one for the job.
Lord Libidan is a lot better about doing things the right way than I am, so I read with interest his post about petite cross stitch needles and when they might be useful in projects. The difference between regular and petite tapestry/cross stitch needles is down to the size, of course, which he explains, and in particular mentions the needles being less likely to enlarge the holes in your fabric as one reason to use them.
They also can be easier to stitch with, especially id you have small hands.
But they can also be harder to find, more expensive and harder to thread than standard sized needles.
It would probably be worth it for you to seek out a petite needle in the size you most commonly use if you’re having problems with holes in your fabric when you stitch, but you probably won’t want to use them all the time.
Check out the post at Lord Libidan for a lot more details (and also this chart about what size cross stitch needle to use if you have no idea where to start). Little details like that can make a big difference in your enjoyment of stitching and the end result.
[Photo: Catkin and Lillie, via Lord Libidan]
