The first time you finish your own piece of clothing, it feels like magic.
It’s just your size and style – after all, it was custom made to you – and the sense of accomplishment you feel is unbeatable. Wearing the sweater you spent weeks knitting for the first time is the ultimate confidence booster.
But in order to actually make that sweater, you can’t always just knit it. Not everyone is a top-down, all-in-one-go knitter. Nor does every crocheter like to pick up the hook and crochet sleeves straight from the body.
For newbies and for anyone else who doesn’t mind a bit of sewing, large eye blunt needles are the easiest answer.
These large sewing needles allow you to simply work up all of your pieces flat and then assemble and sew them all together.
What are the best large eye blunt needles? The best large eye blunt needles will vary a little by project, but in general, high quality aluminum needles are preferred. The eye of the needle should be large enough to accommodate the yarn thickness and thread easily.
Fortunately, large eye blunt needles are pretty versatile, but you will still want to be sure to pick the right one.
The last thing you want is to have to run out to the store when you’re eager to finish up and wear your new handcrafted sweater!
In this article, we’ll discuss why large eye blunt needles are so useful and how to choose the right one for your project. We will even share some of the best large eye blunt needles on the market to narrow down your search.
So read on for more information and happy crafting!
Large Eye Blunt Needles – Why Use Them?
Large eye blunt needles, often called tapestry needles, are a golden tool for crocheters and knitters. They look like oversized sewing needles – and in fact, that’s exactly what they’re used for.
These large tapestry needles are used for sewing knitted and crocheted pieces together. Although there are ways of knitting or even crocheting garments in a single piece, most fiber artists and hobbyists prefer to knit or crochet in pieces and then sew those pieces together.
Think about a sweater. To make one, you will often work up four pieces: a front and back body panel, and two sleeves. You have to sew all the pieces together to get an actual, wearable garment.
While you could sew the pieces with a regular thread and needle, this can be difficult, especially without a sewing machine. If you don’t have strong thread and good sewing skills, your garment may not hold together well.
That’s where tapestry needles come in. These oversized sewing needles with blunt ends are wide enough – thanks to the “large eye” to be threaded with yarn. Your sweater can be sewn with the same material that was used to work up the garment, keeping it structurally sound and offering a more cohesive look.
These yarn-accommodating sewing needles are also useful for weaving in ends or adding embroidery detailing to your knitted/crocheted pieces. You may also find them useful for darning socks and other items.
Large eye blunt needles are incredibly useful tools and you’ll want to keep one in your yarn bag if you don’t have one already.
Not only are these needles easier to work with, but they are also safer and you can avoid pricking yourself with them. However, it is also possible to sew without a needle!
Choosing Large Eye Blunt Needles – What to Know
Large eye blunt needles, tapestry needles, darning needles, yarn needles…whatever you call them, you will want one in your yarn bag.
But which do you choose? These handy little tools are generally quite versatile, but here are some things to keep in mind when investing in your first needle or set of needles:
Size
Yarn and threads come in different sizes – and so do tapestry needles. Even “large eye” blunt needles can be larger or smaller.
Needle sizes are given as numbers, and the numbers grow or shrink opposite to their physical size. Larger tapestry needles actually get smaller in number; smaller needle sizes get larger in number.
In a perfect world, you can simply purchase a set of multiple sizes so you always have the right tapestry needle for your project, but that’s not always practical. Many knitters and crocheters also don’t need multiple sizes.
If your preferred yarn weight is fairly consistent, or consistent within a range, you can simply opt for a single sized large eye blunt needle that accommodates the largest yarn you are likely to use.
It’s easier to use a larger needle with thinner yarn than it is to try to thread thick yarn through the small opening or “eye” of the needle.
Shape
Large eye blunt needles can be straight or bent.
For the most part, this is a matter of preference, but many knitters and crocheters find bent tapestry needles helpful for navigating small, tight, or awkward spaces and shapes – such as trying to put details on a crocheted animals. Some also find bent needles more useful for weaving in ends.
However, you can still use straight needles in any context. Get a feel for whichever you like best, or invest in one of each if you’re not sure.
Quality
Blunt needles can last a lot longer than regular sewing needles, serving you well for years and years. They don’t need to come to a sharp point to puncture your material, especially for knitted and crocheted works with natural gaps between stitches.
It is worth investing in higher quality tapestry needles. While some prefer plastic yarn needles, many crafters stick with high quality aluminum or other metals.
5 Best Large Eye Blunt Needles
Here are some of our favorite large eye blunt needles:
Rank | Product | Key Features |
---|---|---|
1. | Clover Chibi Darning Needle Set | Sturdy metal, straight needles, set of 3 (13, 17, 20), storage tube |
2. | UOOU Large Eye Blunt Needle Set | Sturdy metal, 6 straight needles in 3 sizes, 12 bent needles, storage tin |
3. | Hekisn Large-Eye Blunt Needles | Stainless steel, straight needles, set of 9 in 3 sizes, storage tube |
4. | Lion Brand Large-Eye Blunt Needles | Nickel-plated steel, straight needles, set of 6 (13, 14, 16) |
5. | Vidillo Jumbo Bent Tapestry Needles | Lightweight steel, bent needles, set of 8, storage tube |
All of these come as sets and are made of high-quality metal. Most are also available in a variety of sizes and convenient carrying cases.
Check them out in more detail below so you can pick the best for your needs.
1. Clover Chibi Darning Needle Set
If you have ever crocheted, knitted, or sewn before, chances are you have used or seen a Clover tool at some point. This reliable brand has multiple sets of high-quality tapestry needles.
This particular set is a perfect choice for beginners and experienced crafters alike. With three needles in three sizes – 13, 17, and 20 – you will always have the right tool for the job. The largest size even works with many bulky weight yarns.
With the convenient carrying tube, you’re much less likely to lose your needles, too. The case will protect your darning needles and keep them from roaming freely in your yarn bag. No more emptying out your yarn and needle storage cases just to find your needles!
Made of sturdy metal, these large eye blunt needles will serve you well again and again.
If you tend to work with lighter weight yarn, Clover also has a set of lace weight darning needles in three different sizes, which also come with a carrying tube. Clover also has sets of bent large eye blunt needles.
2. UOOU Large Eye Blunt Needle Set
For those who love variety, this mega set of straight large eye blunt needles and bent tapestry needles is a great choice.
There are 6 straight needles included in three different sizes, giving you two of each. These sizes will handle a fair variety of yarn types. Also included in the set are 12 vibrantly-colored bent needles. These come in one size that will work with most projects.
The set also comes with a delightful carrying tin. Your needles will stay safe and protected and the tin will be easy to find among your yarn tools. Plus, the metal tin is harder to break, which is a problem with some of the poorly made plastic tubes which other sets come with.
All in all, this is a great set offering you a variety of large eye blunt needles in different sizes and shapes. It may be just what your knitting bag needed.
3. Hekisn Large-Eye Blunt Needles
This set of large eye blunt needles from Hekisn is a great investment for any knitter or crocheter who likes to work with multiple yarn types and sizes.
Made with rust-proof, high-quality stainless steel, these darning needles come in a set of 9, with three different sizes. Although the precise sizes are unlisted, this set should be plenty for accommodating common yarn weights.
Plus, with extras in each size, you will have backups when one inevitably gets lost.
This set also comes in a convenient clear plastic tube. You can protect and store your needles without accidentally poking yourself later, and it will be easier to see which side you’re grabbing when pulling them out.
4. Lion Brand Large-Eye Blunt Needles
If you are an experienced crocheter or knitter, you are likely already very familiar with Lion Brand yarns.
This set of 6 large eye blunt needles from the trusted and beloved yarn brand comes in three sizes: 13, 14, and 16, which will work for the majority of yarn weights and projects.
Although you may have trouble threading the very bulkiest of yarns, the majority of fibers will thread just fine.
Made of high-quality, nickel-plated steel, you can be sure these tapestry needles will last you a long time – especially since you will have a backup of each size. If you lose your favorite size, you can rest easy knowing you have a spare in your yarn bag.
These blunt needles are well made and would make an excellent addition to your yarn tools.
5. Vidillo Jumbo Bent Tapestry Needles
These bright and colorful large eye blunt needles are as handy as they are fun to look at.
Made of durable and lightweight steel, this set of 8 comes in a random vibrant color. Even if you don’t get to choose, that shiny pop of color will stand out among most yarns, making sewing your knitted and crocheted pieces that much easier on the eyes.
These tapestry needles are bent, which many crafters feel is more versatile, especially for weaving in ends and maneuvering in awkwardly shaped items, like amigurumi.
Although they come in a single size, that size is a versatile one. You will likely be able to use these needles for the vast majority of your projects unless you prefer very light or very chunky weight yarn. Besides, many crafters simply use the same needle size over and over anyway.
For added convenience, the tapestry needles come with a convenient clear carrying tube. There will be no need to go rummaging in the pocket of your needle or hook case to find your darning needle.
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