Proper Sized Glover's Needle

mc · Post by mc » 07 Mar 2006 08:18

Hi folks... if you go to www.froogle.com and search glover's needle, a lot of choices come up. How will I know which one is of the right thickness (or thinness)? I don't want to get something too thick which is going to make the holes too big... so, who thinks what?

Nathan · Post by **Nathan** » 07 Mar 2006 09:05

hmm, I searched glover's needle, and got 5 results.

The needles I use are about 1.5 inches long, and very sharp. the thickness of the actual needle doesn't matter much, since the eye for the thread to go through will be bigger anyway. I use the ones with the smallest hole that my thread will still fit through. I'm not sure of the actual number of needle, but they are quite small. Unless you get some very exact details about needle sizes, I suggest going to a local store with the thread you are using and trying to test some out, instead of buying from the internet. I know I for one am very picky about the needles I use, because most just dont work efficiently.

shredzilla · Post by **shredzilla** » 07 Mar 2006 09:42

Nathan wrote:The needles I use are about 1.5 inches long
I suggest going to a local store with the thread you are using and trying to test some out, instead of buying from the internet.

Believe it or not, it's HARD to find a fabric store that carries glovers needles or facile. I only have 1 in my area (3 if you count ones outside my immediate area). But Cleaver for example has none, even within a 30 mile radius. I wouldn't be against buying them online, try and get the one that's 1.5 inches long like Nathan said. The one I use is that length; it may be a standard size, without variance in width. I was shocked though to see how many fabric stores carried every needle but glover's.

Pengu · Post by **Pengu** » 07 Mar 2006 09:48

It's not all that hard to find proper glover's needles. Tom and I were thinking about selling them on our store if there's enough need for them.

Nathan · Post by **Nathan** » 07 Mar 2006 10:05

shredzilla wrote: Believe it or not, it's HARD to find a fabric store that carries glovers needles or facile. I only have 1 in my area (3 if you count ones outside my immediate area). But Cleaver for example has none, even within a 30 mile radius.

Ah, sorry, I have 3 or so stores nearby. I could probably get some and send them out to people who need them. But I'm not sure if they are glover's needles, what is the difference?

shredzilla · Post by **shredzilla** » 07 Mar 2006 10:06

Again, very easy to order online. Very tough to find in person (In a lot of areas)

mosher · Post by **mosher** » 07 Mar 2006 10:07

Go to walmart, they sell them in packs of three's and the middle size is ideeeeeeeeeal.

shredzilla · Post by **shredzilla** » 07 Mar 2006 10:09

mosher wrote:Go to walmart, they sell them in packs of three's and the middle size is ideeeeeeeeeal.

Are they sharp? I bought a needle from WalMart (non-glover's) and it was as sharp as a spoon. Also, Canadian WalMarts may carry different supplies than US ones. My WalMart does not carry glover's needles or poly pellets for example, and I believe peng said hers does.

Johnny · Post by **Johnny** » 07 Mar 2006 10:15

Yea, I use the middle sized needle from a package bought at walmart. Mine is still razor sharp and it's seen quite a few footbags in its day.

mosher · Post by **mosher** » 07 Mar 2006 13:29

The one's we got (alllll thanks to Johnny's tip) are sharp as a motherfucker. Peng accidentally slashed my hand open with her needle!

They are very very sharp to say the least.

Senor Grommet · Post by **Senor Grommet** » 07 Mar 2006 15:23

I have actually broken a few glover's needles with the shear force of my stitching technique . . . stand back. If you want glover's needles, don't go to fabric stores or sewing store outlet-type places. GO TO LEATHER STORES. Glover's needles are made specifically to pierce leather, so to buy them, you must go to places that sell leather.
In regards to the size, I have found that all sizes from those 3-packs work well for footbags. I guess it depends on the size of the panels you're using, but in general, even the larger needles work well. I like them because they're eeasier to see when you're looking for them on the ground because you've dropped them, or in the couch because its your oversized pin-cushion.

Lazytowner · Post by **Lazytowner** » 07 Mar 2006 16:48

I use this heart shaped package of needles from the fabric section at wal-mart, each 1 1/3 inches long. Not one has broken on me yet, mostly because they're super thin compared to other needles I've seen and I'm pretty gentle and accurate with my stitches *I THINK!*.

Jdigges · Post by **Jdigges** » 07 Mar 2006 17:09

I don't think the thickness matters too much if its not really really thick. I used one of the thickest needles i had to try and poke holes along my last pent side so i could see them. I figured this technique would help me get my blind stitch straighter because the holes are already made. Although, i could not even see the holes

i used a much thicker needle then i use to stitch too. I think it cuts the same amount as the smaller needles, but pushes more out of the way, so the facile shrinks back to where the cut was made.

mosher · Post by **mosher** » 07 Mar 2006 19:16

The Kingston Footbag Militia is now selling killer glovers' needles, they will be in stock real soon-like.

Jdigges · Post by **Jdigges** » 07 Mar 2006 19:50

Awesome! ill probably pick some up

Wasabi · Post by **Wasabi** » 08 Mar 2006 00:06

I was thinking about needle size before this topic was made as well as holding back a post since I felt confident in finding a right sized needle to do proper stitching. However, there's no Walmart within this area because of city restrictions by law, and from using spare fabric (microsuede I think?) that I got from my sister, I'm going to need a Glover's needle.

I'm totally stoked that you guys will be providing some needles, Tom. I guess I'll be doing business with you again.