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2017 Sewing Bee Manager
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Posted on: 1/23/09 11:39 PM ET
I'm sure many have this problem, as a lot of needles are nickel plated (I'm actually allergic to cobalt, which is almost always found when nickel is found.)

Does anyone know a source of needles that are 100% stainless steel? I don't even know if it's possible.

I didn't have a lot of luck with google, but it's also easier to just ask.


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Posted on: 1/24/09 0:48 AM ET
Maybe try the titanium (actually titanium nitride, a ceramic) coated needles? There should be no contact with anything but the ceramic coating or the plain hard steel needle. Just a thought!


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Posted on: 1/24/09 10:21 AM ET
I've never heard of that. Do you have a brand name or a way to order them?
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Posted on: 1/24/09 12:23 PM ET
In reply to Annette Wright
Supposedly these are Sprial eye needles.
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Liz

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Posted on: 1/24/09 1:09 PM ET
Schmetz makes titanium embroidery machine needles. Klasse makes titanium universal, quilting, and embroidery needles. The titanium needles are more expensive, but supposedly last about 5 times longer than regular needles.

For hand sewing, there are gold needles available. I've only seen tapestry gold needles from DMC locally, but there are others available online for betweens, quilting, etc. as well.
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Fictionfan
  
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Posted on: 1/24/09 10:19 PM ET
There are platinum quilting needles (hand sewing) available, but I have no idea about nickel or cobalt content, if any.
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Posted on: 1/25/09 11:03 AM ET
Thanks so much for the information. I'm going to look into the platinum and titanium ones, and also the spiral ones too (threading is getting more difficult also.) Gold isn't an option as I'm highly allergic to gold too. You won't get me near the stuff.

I've tried wearing those finger cots, but there is just something about feeling the needle in your hand when you sew. Of course, when fingers are sore, you can't sew well either. I do use a silver thimble, so I don't have problem with my middle finger, only the thumb and pointer on my right hand.

edited to add: oh darn, I see the platinum and titanium ones mentioned are machine needles, which doesn't matter. The spiral ones are expensive, but I will probably order them anyway.
-- Edited on 1/25/09 11:07 AM --
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Posted on: 1/25/09 3:58 PM ET
No, you can actually get hand sewing needles in platinum... I'll see if I can find some for you...
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Posted on: 1/25/09 4:01 PM ET
"Today sewing needles are made from high carbon steel wire, platinum, nickel or gold to resist corrosion. " from here:
http://www.ehow.com/about_4614366_sewing-needles.html
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Posted on: 1/25/09 4:03 PM ET
"Gold and platinum

Some stitchers believe that their gold plated or platinum plated hand sewing needles slip even more effortlessly than usual through their fabric medium, others simply love to receive them as a treat or gift."
from here:
http://www.entaco.com /products_needles.php

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