As the craft industry grows, you’ll come across various unique sewing tools that will have you wondering how and what they’re used for. Curved Repair Sewing Needles, also known as Curved Mattress Needles, are one such sewing tool. These needles are unlike any other sewing needles, as the name implies. Their curved back is meant to execute sewing tasks that standard needles can’t, setting them apart from other needles.
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What are curved repair sewing needles?
Bent into a semicircular shape, curved or hooked sewing needles are distinctive needles in terms of aesthetics. They are designed with large eyes and come in triangular and round points. And similarly, they can also be light or heavyweight, and you can choose between the two according to the thickness and thinness of the fabric and stitch you’re using.
The basic feat of a curved needle is its curved portion which allows you to attain angles that are difficult to reach with straight needles. That’s why having one in your sewing kit, whether you intend to use it or not, is always a smart idea.
When would you use curved needles?
Curved needles are handy, as they are commonly used in upholstery and other craftwork projects. Upholstery needles got their name because of their widespread use in the upholstery industry.
Curved needles are used to repair ripped seams, make cushions and pillows, repair fabrics such as lampshade fabrics, make fabric boxes, and create artistic stitches, particularly slip stitches.
Curved needles are handy for mending rugs because the curve allows you to drive the needle through the thick fabric with your fingertips. In addition, the needle’s rounded edge gives you a lot of surface area to press against without harming or bruising your fingers. Similarly, when it comes to mending your couches and sofas, they are considered the best.
Curved Needle Sizes (and uses)
Regardless of what needle you’re using, choosing the right and perfect needle size for your craft project is critical to the success of your creation.
Curved needles, in the same way, come in many sizes, each of which is tailored to serve a specific purpose. The number of the needle allows you to understand its size. And like other needles, the rule of ‘the larger the number, the smaller and finer the needle’ applies to curved repair needles.
However, there is one minor exception. The size of a curved needle is determined by the length of its curve. Also, it is measured horizontally from the eye to the point rather than vertically.
Here’s a comprehensive list of curved repair sewing needles, organized by gauge and diameter.
Curved needles come in sizes 2″, 2½”, 3″, 4″ and 5″, respectively.
- Size 2″ comes with 21 gauge and 0.81mm diameter.
- Size 2½” comes with 20 gauge and a 0.91mm diameter.
- Size 3″ comes with 18 gauge and 1.31mm diameter.
- Size 4″ comes with 18 gauge and 1.31mm diameter.
- Size 5″ comes with 15 gauge and 1.83mm diameter.
The huge needles can be used for leather repair and sewing. Similarly, the larger needles are best for mending rugs and repairing couches, thanks to their size. Similarly, the smaller needles are ideal for embroidery projects, crafting stitches, and repairing busted seams.
Best projects to use curved repair sewing needles
Due to their vast use in furniture repairing and coverings, curved repair needles are often called Upholstery needles for all the right reasons.
Curved needles are used to repair items with seams that a typical needle or sewing machine can’t reach, such as couches, mattresses, rugs, lampshades, etc. That’s why using a curved repair sewing needle for repairing your furniture is the best option.
Similarly, you can use a curved needle to repair your torn lampshade and even replace it if worn out. Not to mention repairing the seams of your pillows and cushions, as Curved needles tend to offer great value while performing the task. Since you can’t fit your cushion or pillow under a sewing machine to fix its damaged seam, curved needles always come in handy in such situations.
Moreover, with the help of a large curved needle and a heavy thread, you can effortlessly repair your thick rugs in no time. Likewise, you can use curved needles for large hand quilting projects or quilting repairs.
Besides, curved needles can also be used for mending buttons, beads, and other embellishments that have fallen off the garment they were sewn on.
In addition, curved needles serve best when it comes to leather sewing or repair. The sturdy material of the leather can be slid through easily by a curved needle, as they are equally sharp and sturdy for the stuff.
Apart from these, curved needles are also used for other projects given below:
- Bead working
- Wig making
- Bookbinding
- Weaving and
- Embroidery
Best stitches to use with this needle
When it comes to stitches that can be done with a curved needle, the slip stitch is the clear winner for various reasons. Slip stitch is great for it since it allows the two halves of the item (that needs to be repaired) to come together without revealing any indication of the stitch, which is why curved needles are commonly used for repairing and mending purposes.
Tips for using a curved needle like a pro
To use a curved needle like a pro, we have come up with a list of these tips that can help you make the best use of it.
- The type of thread you use determines the success of your craftwork. That’s why no matter the size of your curved needle while upholstering, make sure you use the appropriate thread size for your repair task.
- Try having a firm yet appropriate grip on your curved needle to get the best possible results. Since it’s not like regular needles, any extra force can break it while sewing.
- Speaking of which, to get proper control of your curved needle, hold it with three fingers.
- Don’t put the whole needle in the fabric you’re working on unless you want to make long stitches.
- Push your curved needle slightly once it’s slid into the fabric to have a finished look.
Credits: photos by Canva
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