A specialized hand-sewing needle, also known as a between, characterized by its short length, fine diameter, and small round eye. The short shaft gives the quilter precise control to rock the needle through the quilt top, batting, and backing, allowing for fast, evenly spaced running stitches.
Heard on the job
I prefer a size 10 quilting needle for this dense cotton batting so it doesn't bend on the push.
Insider tip
Beginners often struggle with how short quilting needles are, but the lack of length is exactly what allows the classic rocking motion used to load multiple small stitches onto the needle at once.
Also heard as
- between