Multiple needles

[motherof4]

For those of you who have multiple needles threaded, where do you keep them while they're needed. I can only sew on hoops but would like to use several needles already threaded.

[rcperryls]

There are a number of different floss organizers available for threaded needles. I have never used the Pako Needle Organizer, but I think we have some members who do. I developed a system for myself which started out simply enough but it really can be cumbersome if you stitch a lot of projects with a lot of different colors. When I use a thread I put it in one of the empty compartments of a plastic floss caddy organizer. Wasn't too bad when I stitched one project at a time and usually stitched projects that were smaller than the ones I stitch now. One of those things that started out small and then grew more than I expected. I'd probably try one of the Pako organizers if I was starting now. I hate threading needles. I'm sure that others have developed some systems that are more manageable than what I use.

Carole

[motherof4]

Thank you

[Allyn]

I use magnets. I have magnet strips across the top and bottom of my work (I use scroll frames) and I have round magnets placed strategically around the work so no matter where I need to 'park' a needle, I have a magnet nearby.

I know this looks a bit chaotic, but if you focus on where the actual stitches are being put in, you see that nothing is in the way.

[DisneyStitcher]

I tape off a scrap length of aida and put the needles in rows on that. I assign each symbol on the legend a number (generally the first symbol listed is #1 and go on down from there) and keep the needles in order across the aida. I use a decorative pin, usually a pink or yellow flower head pin, and put one in the fabric after every 10th needle to make counting easy if it's a large project. When I'm done stitching, I just fold it up and stick it in the bag. Very little bulk and cuts down on thread waste. It must be noted that I don't park and I don't leave needles in my work ever. I always run the ends under a few stitches and clip when I'm quitting that particular color - so I only ever have one needle off the line at a time. It works for me, anyway.

Happy Stitching!

[motherof4]

Thank you