3468
When my daughter was a baby I used a wing needle and a hem stitch to do the bottom and sleeves of her baby dresses. It made a wonderful little scollop and of course the wings. I haven't tried to incorporate it into any embroidery patterns and am interested in how it works.
by cutiepie
03 Jan 2008
Ah, sounds lovely. When (if) I have a daughter, I will probably spend practically all my time making "cute" things for her. So far, I have Liam who is 2 and the coming twins are both boys as well. =S As for using the wing needle in embroidery patterns, only use it in patterns that are designed for a wing needle. I probably didn't have to say that for most of the people who visit this forum, but better safe than sorry! It could really mess up your machine if you try to use it on a design that is too dense. =[
by cutiepie
03 Jan 2008
only use it in patterns that are designed for a wing needle. I probably didn't have to say that for most of the people who visit this forum, but better safe than sorry! It could really mess up your machine if you try to use it on a design that is too dense. =[
by cutiepie
03 Jan 2008
too dense. =[ I have enough trouble with breaking regular needles. Wing needles are more expensive, and I wouldn't want to be hit by a flying piece of one of those! =]
by freida
04 Jan 2008
The dresses I made for my daughter (this really dates me) were made before the embroidery machine becaue available to the public. My machine did straight and zig zag stitches and had cams for fancy patterns. You should have seen how hard it was to embroidery...but it could be done, mostly monograms and the like. You might want to do some cute little heirloom sewing for the boys. Love the old fashioned look. Sew Beautiful magazine has some beautiful things. Well have to go fix hubby something to eat. You are so blessed to have the twins. Blessings multiplied. Good Night
3468Thanks for asking, Freida. My dealer is offering 'heirloom stitching' classes & was talking about a wing needle, but I thought it was gonna be hard, so I didn't pay attention. Ok, Cutiepie, now after your explanation I have to go see! They're having so many great classes next couple of months think I'm just gonna sleep under the quilt frame, they'll never notice. Cutiepie, please tell me learning the wing needle stuff isn't hard? Happy New Year!
by cutiepie
03 Jan 2008
No, learning to use a wing needle is NOT hard. I bet you will pick it up with no problems at all, and wonder what you were worried about. =] Take the class! You will enjoy it, I'm sure.
33451I came across some designs for wing needle embroidery a few weeks ago and I wondered how they were done, whether it was with a regular wing needle. The site didn’t explain! But they looked absolutely beautiful, and very delicate. So thanks for your answer cutiepie, and thanks for asking the question frieda.
13558Well, a wing needle is also known as a hem-stitch needle, and it looks like a regular needle except it has little "wings" out to either side of the shank (hence, the name). The reason for the wings is that the way the stitches form causes the thread to pull and form little holes in the fabric where it has stitched. It can be very lovely and decorative. If you have seen the flannel blankets that have the crocheting around the outside border, that is also something that can be done using a wing needle. For wing needle embroidery, there is usually only one or two portions that are sewn with the wing needle, and the rest is sewn with a normal needle. The wing needle will make a lacy look, and the rest of the pattern will frame it in and make it look nice. Anything else you would like to know? The more specific you are, the more helpful I am likely to be. =D
by mops
01 Jan 2008
Clear explanation, Cutiepie. I have mostly used it for hemming, but this Q & A makes me want to experiment. Happy New Year to you all.
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