Some of the most frequent questions I’m asked about hand piecing are in relation to the tools that I use.

And while I do say it’s a personal choice - because it really needs to work for you too - there are some things that make hand sewing and in particular with Linen and Liberty Tana Lawn so much easier.

Firstly thread..

If you’ve been following me for a while, it’s no secret that I love Fil à Gant thread and have been using it for years. A friend first gave me a reel and said this will change your life.

It did!!

Traditionally a French gloving thread, beautifully fine (120wt) but strong being a 100% waxed cotton - it is so easy to thread and quite simply makes hand piecing a breeze.

With fine fabrics like Liberty Tana Lawn and light weight Linen, stitches just melt into your work. It’s also perfect for curved piecing - makes sewing those tiny quarter circles so much easier.

Available in beautiful boxed collections of 12 or individually here.

Needles for hand piecing - which are the best?

There’s no one answer to this question also. Again, it really is a personal choice but for me it needs to be fine but strong.

For hand piecing with Liberty Tana Lawn and Lightweight Linen, using a fine needle will ensure you enjoy the process. It won’t feel like you’re stabbing holes into the fabric. It is hard to get a fine enough needle that also doesn’t bend - my needles tend to have a hard life.

Previously Tulip needles were my go to until I found SOHMO’s sharps. The packaging first caught my eye, a gorgeous pale blue tin with sliding lid. 20 needles sized from 7 to 10 it caters for all and I haven’t bent one yet - they’ve quickly become my favourite.

And for hand quilting ?

I like to quilt with 12wt thread - I love the texture. I recently hand quilted a baby quilt with 12wt thread using Sohmo’s Embroidery Needles and I Ioved them. The perfect size for 12wt thread i.e. I could thread the needle without going blind and again no bent needles. They became a must have to the haberdashery section.

I have also started using them on my current embroidery project - embroidering using perle thread on lightweight linen and they are just as beautiful to embroider with.

Pins also need to be fine.

Sohmo’s Entomology pins are amazing. They are a little longer than I have used previously but are beautifully fine making them a perfect pairing for Liberty and Linen.

If you’re new to hand piecing..have a play and see what works for you. Sometimes even the smallest of changes for example changing needle size can make a big difference to how you enjoy your stitching and what your finished product looks like.

Until next time, happy stitching

Mel