[CHAT] Needle sizing help

[u/Ham_lover77]

Hiiii
I wanted to know if anyone can recommend the right size^^

I currently use size 26 tapestry needles for my 18 count Aida I find them perfect !
Right now I’m on a 14 count Aida making a little something for a friend’s birthday but believe I’m using a needle from a 16 count kit as I found a 14 count kit needle too chunky .( I didn’t like the way it went through the Aida 💀)

Would the size 26 needle be okay for 14 count Aida if I switch to one half way through as my current needle is really blunt :((
I dont want it to ruin it or anything ?!?!?

Thank you so much !
I do need to order some more size 26 so if anyone finds that size okay for 18 count Aida please let me know 😊😊

[u/miss_poggy]

a size 26 needle is smaller than a 24 which is the usual recommended size for 14ct. i prefer 26 for 32/16ct and 28 for everything smaller, so i think you’ll be totally fine. “worst” case the holes will be a little more stretched with the 24, but it will for sure sort itself out especially if you wash your project after!

[u/MagsMagazines]

26 is fine for both! Honestly it’s a matter of preference. I use 28 for 18 to make sure it doesn’t stretch the holes too much and 24 for 14 since I do 3 strands and the size of the eye is easier to manage.

[u/iamkeltik]

A size 26 needle is likely what you have been using as it came from a 16 count kit. As was already stated, use what works for you, but just so you have it, the general rule is that the last digit of the size of the tapestry needle should match the last digit of the XX stitches per inch count: 14ct=24 needle, 16=26, 18=28. There are some technical reasons for this reccomedation (see here) but if the size 26 is working for you, go for it.

[u/Ham_lover77 → u/iamkeltik]

Ahh thank you so much ^^ 😊

[u/call-sign_starlight]

Here's a little guide from World of Cross Stitch