tutoo2much Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Can anyone reccommend a particular make, style, size and shape of needles for darning pointe shoes. I just pick up whatever I can find at home, although I am sure some needles make the job much easier than others. I would be happy to invest in some new ones if I knew which were most suitable. The second part to my question is, if I did have a thimble which finger would I put it on? For me the answer might be each one! Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anjuli_Bai Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I used a needle which was longer than a needle one normally uses for hemming - about two inches long. You want a needle long enough so you can really grasp it and pull it through. It should be a strong needle - but with a slender eye so it comes through easily - doesn't get stuck trying to pull through the material with too thick of an eye. So - it's a compromise. I can't imagine darning shoes without a thimble - and it goes on your middle finger (the longest finger) of your right hand - if you are right handed. Use three threads of embroidery thread which most closely matches the shoes. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliepops Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I use a curved needle as I find it easier to use for darning than a straight one. Like Anjuli I've found a needle with a long slim eye works best. Not too fine a one as they can bend and snap. Definitely need the thimble as it can be tough pulling / pushing through several layers (on the pleats) and some makers seem to use a lot of glue which can make pulling through the needle harder. J x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glowlight Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 Curved needles here too. They make th job a lot easier. I think I got mine from the market, but I'm pretty certain you can get them from Dance Direct, who also do Darning Thread which is the right shade to go with pointe shoes. (I found I only needed single thickness of thread if using darning thread rather than embroidery thread) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frangapani Posted January 15, 2012 Share Posted January 15, 2012 I darn 100s of the things! (it is my "sideline") - always use a curved needle F x 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tutoo2much Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share Posted January 16, 2012 Thank you Anjuli, Elliepops,glowlight and frangipani, Will try a long curved needle with a small eye next time. Battled with a short needle with a big eye last night and although it got the job done, it was hard work. Middle finger is still throbbing this morning so that is where I will put the thimble. However, the penetrating injury was to my right forefinger. Next question-how best to clean blood spatter off brand new pointe shoes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkledust Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 I darn 100s of the things! (it is my "sideline") - always use a curved needle F x Hi Frangapani, I can't see how to send you a PM on this forum but I seem to remember from the old forum that you will darn pointe shoes. My dd and I spent a lovely day in London having pointe shoes fitted but I can't face the thought of darning another pair! I dutifully darned the first in November and for a while I thought my fingers would never recover. If this is still your "sideline" could you send me a PM?Many thanks SD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anjuli_Bai Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 If the needle penetrated your skin you should seriously consider having a tetanus shot. Really - do get one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tutoo2much Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share Posted January 16, 2012 Anjuli, I was being a bit dramatic, I just pricked my finger! Though there is a speck of blood on the shoes. Luckily tetanus up today. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tutoo2much Posted January 16, 2012 Author Share Posted January 16, 2012 meant to say tetanus up to date! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frangapani Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 Hi Frangapani, I can't see how to send you a PM on this forum but I seem to remember from the old forum that you will darn pointe shoes. My dd and I spent a lovely day in London having pointe shoes fitted but I can't face the thought of darning another pair! I dutifully darned the first in November and for a while I thought my fingers would never recover. If this is still your "sideline" could you send me a PM? Many thanks SD pm sent! xxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
En Pointe Posted January 16, 2012 Share Posted January 16, 2012 Honestly Frangapani, respect is due! I can manage my DD's shoes, but as to taking on more......nooooooooooooooo! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frangapani Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 :D !!!! I actually find it therapeutic!!!!! F x 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aurora Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I tried darning pointe shoes once - never again! Suede toe caps for us but you can apparently get little pre-darned patches that you stick (or maybe sew) on - might see if I can get them next time. I've heard curved needles make darning easier (after I attempted it with a straight needle!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tutoo2much Posted May 8, 2012 Author Share Posted May 8, 2012 I did darn a pair successfully but the stitching frayed very quickly. I used three strands of embroidery thread. Is there something a bit stronger. What is in those bunheads sewing kits? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliepops Posted May 8, 2012 Share Posted May 8, 2012 I use Coats Mercer Crochet 20g thread. It comes in a substantial ball which lasts ages. I chain stitch and use it single strand, but you can use it double too. Frangapani, having seen an example of your beautiful neat stitching - it looked like you use a similar/same thread too? J x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RhodaKuc Posted May 9, 2012 Share Posted May 9, 2012 Buheads sewing kit is not a darning kit! It has two needles and excellent thread for sewing on ribbons/ elastics though - very tough, pale pink sort of waxy to the touch. I use it for all my and my dds shoes (and running repairs on other peoples shoes as it lives in my dance bag!). Always a curved needle (the middle size in the pack of three I bought) with specific darning thread (though my red shoes were darned with 3 strands of embroidery thread bought to match colour, the thread is thicker, 5-6 threads so need to split). A thimble is useful - I quite enjoy the process too and teaching youngsters at the studio is quite rewarding! RK 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now