How to Buy the Top 10 Needlepoint Gadgets You Absolutely MUST HAVE

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By Althea DeBrule
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Needlepoint gadgets are wonderful items that will increase your stitching enjoyment. Every stitcher has one or two favorites. There are hundreds of gadgets you can use—yes, REALLY; but the top ten MUST HAVES do amazing things for needlework. They are useful and efficient. You just have to get them. After all, who knows? You just might need these things some day.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Assorted needlepoint supplies that you just can’t do without
Internet
Credit/Debit Card
Cash on Hand

Step 1

Best Laying Tool

Laying Tool. A Laying Tool is used to spread multiple threads so they can lay side-by-side and flat on the canvas. It improves the look of your stitches. Laying tools can be plain or elaborate and are made of wood and metal. Examples of laying tools include the Japanese Tekobari (very sharp), the Trolley Needle (fits on your finger and looks like an extended fingernail), and the BLT (Best Laying Tool) looks like a very long needle without an eye).
Step 2

Optivisor

Magnifying Glasses or Visor. Sometimes magnification is needed to see the canvas threads more clearly for stitching. Reading glasses are my favorite. I can purchase them from 1.5 to 4.0 diopter (the degree of magnification), from my local discount store or pharmacy. Clip on magnifiers are second on my list. These clip onto the rim of my regular glasses. Jewelers use a magnifying visor when doing detailed work. I own a couple of Opti-Visors for working on Congress cloth, but I must admit, people always chuckle when they see me wearing one.
Step 3

Ott-Lite

The Perfect Light. Proper lighting is essential to stitching success. A regular lamp does not provide the true color experience so necessary to achieving stitching excellence. The Ott-Lite simulates natural daylight, which is the ideal light for stitching details and accurately selecting thread colors.
Step 4

Needle Threader

Needle Threader. The needle threader is a simple tool used to thread needles. To use one, you just push the thin wire through the eye of the needle, then insert the thread through the wire. The final step is to back the needle threader out of the needle. The thread will come with it through the eye of the needle. You can purchase a needle threader wherever sewing supplies are sold.
Step 5

Magnets

Magnets. Magnets are very handy. They hold your scissors and needles on top of the frame. They come in pairs, and are sold two to a package. To use a pair, place one half of the magnet set on the bottom of your work and the other half on top.
Step 6

Clover Thread Cutter

Clover Thread Cutter. These are perfect for traveling especially on an airplane. The cutter looks like a pendant but has a recessed circular razor blade inside. All you have to do is insert your thread in one of the many slits around the edges and cut!
Step 7

Brass Tacks

Brass Tacks. Prior to stitching, a needlepoint canvas needs to be attached to a frame using brass tacks. They should be inserted through the canvas into wooden stretcher bars approximately one inch apart. Brass tacks are more suitable than thumb tacks, because thumb tacks can rust when blocking the finished piece. Clover makes inexpensive flat-topped brass tacks that come 60 to a package.
Step 8

Lowery Steel Floor Stand

Floor Stand. A wooden or metal stand that holds your project frame for hands-free stitching. Floor stands can be very elaborate and are usually chosen for comfort. My favorite is the Lowery Stand. It is sturdy, portable, and fits nicely in my suitcase.
Step 9

Needle Safe

Needle Cases. The best needle cases are the ones with magnetic liners. They hold all kinds of needles. I keep beading, hand-sewing, and tapestry needles in mine. Since I started using a needle case, I have never lost a needle.
Step 10

Tweezers

Tweezers. Tweezers are useful for removing cut threads, lint, etc. on your project. Uncle Bill’s Tweezers are the best because they are very easy to use and only take the slightest pinch to grab unwanted fibers.

Comments

PammySuzie said

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on 10/13/2008 If you have trouble threading a needle, try a Spiral Eye Needle. They are practically self threading because there is an opening on the side of the eye. You can find them at www.spiraleyeneedles.com