Sprite Stitch Board!

So the coating on my needles is wearing off (I can't think of what it's called). And instead of being nice and silvery looking the needles have big black splotches on them. I've noticed that this greatly affects the glide of the needle and how uncomfortable my fingers get holding the needle over time.

What do you guys do when this happens? Is there a way to restore the needles? Do you just troop on? Do you throw them away?

I find by the time whatever plating is on my needles is starting to wear off, I'll break them in short order, so it's never been a problem for me...

I would throw them out at that point. If there was a way to restore them, would they sell them 6 to a pack? I don't know!

Seems like my hands sweat a lot (especially in the summer!) so on large projects I usually go through at least 1 or two needles because sweat seems to corrode the plating (usually nickel or gold) on the needles.
Gold is supposed to be better but I've never noticed a difference so just by another 6 pack and throw out the ones that are nasty. Don't feel bad about it - we all do it.

If you really wanted too I guess you could electroplate your own needles ;)

kuja.girl wrote:If you really wanted too I guess you could electroplate your own needles

My bro is always offering to do this for my needles. However, he can be quite careless (I remember his hydrogen collecting experiment...) not to mention the amount it'd cost me in electricity bills!

I say chuck em and get new ones! It's cheaper and easier

I was thinking about this when I had to replace a needle a few days ago. I hate to chuck anything that might have a use, even something so small. Can anyone think of another use for worn needles?

RMDC wrote:I was thinking about this when I had to replace a needle a few days ago. I hate to chuck anything that might have a use, even something so small. Can anyone think of another use for worn needles?

Metal toothpick aka, tetanus transmitter.

RMDC wrote:I was thinking about this when I had to replace a needle a few days ago. I hate to chuck anything that might have a use, even something so small. Can anyone think of another use for worn needles?

perhaps a cute little craft project could be made from them, like glue them into different shapes on paper or make little sculptures. hmm....

RMDC wrote:I was thinking about this when I had to replace a needle a few days ago. I hate to chuck anything that might have a use, even something so small. Can anyone think of another use for worn needles?

Hah! I'm the same way!

Thanks everyone

I go through needles so quickly. I'm already on my 3rd for the Star Trek project.

I found that moisturising the tips of my fingers before stitching increases the lifespan of my needles.