8 Oct 2022

Embroidery: Needle Minder

by | posted in: Crafty's Projects, Embroidery | 14

I get inspiration when viewing work from different crafters. Last week I viewed a few projects that used needle minders or a needle nanny. In that ‘I can make it myself’ mode I started thinking about what I could use, because delivery of items I saw would of taken a week or more.

A needle nanny needs two magnets (from dollar store) a decorative top piece and a little bit of glue. I chose a couple of buttons to start with. You could use charms, small flat items, or brooches with the pin snapped off.

As I always say, you are only limited by your own imagination.

making a needle minder at craftygardener.ca

You only need a small amount of glue to attach the button to the top magnet. If you use too much the glue will come through the holes of the button.

making a needle minder at craftygardener.ca

After gluing be sure to let it dry completely before using. Hold one of the magnets under your embroidery hoop and place the one with the button on top. A needle will be magnetized to the top and stop you misplacing it.

stitching an autumn tree at craftygardener.ca

I’ve been stitching the leaves on the autumn tree using fall colours and different stitches.

stitching an autumn tree at craftygardener.ca

If you frequently misplace your needle perhaps you need a needle minder. If you aren’t into making your own there are many places that sell them, and some of them are really cute.

stitching an autumn tree at craftygardener.ca

I do try to use up the bits of pieces left over and this project is the perfect one for doing that. One of my leaves used two different colours of bits of thread. I can see more multi coloured leaves as this project progresses.

Do you try to use up the odds and ends?

I get lots of inspiration from other stitchers at Slow Sunday Stitching and appreciate all the visits and comments from there. Visit them and gather some inspiration for yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian visitors. Enjoy the long weekend.

14 Responses

  1. Vondean Erickson
    |

    Hi Linda,
    Happy Thanksgiving to you also. I forgot Canada celebrates Thanksgiving in October. I use to keep up on dates with so many of my relatives living in Canada but so many have passed away have lost contact with the ones I use to visit with.

    I think the needle minder is so clever. I had a friend back home she did a lot of sewing and would stick the needle in the collar of her blouse. Everyone always warned people do not hug Thelma before you look to see if she has a needle stuck on her blouse or you will get scratched by it.

    I always learn something when I read your website.

  3. CathieJ
    |

    I have tried making needle minders, with limited success. Often my needle falls off. I even have a store bought one with the same problem. I do have one or two store bought needle minders that work very well. I love the variety of colors and stitches in your leaves. This is very pretty.

    • Crafty Gardener
      |

      I think a lot depends on the strength of the magnet. So far, so good with mine. Hope you had a good weekend.

  6. Ivani
    |

    Your embroidery is looking great. I save the pattern for the future.
    Happy Thanksgiven!

  7. Diann@LittlePenguinQuilts
    |

    Your DIY needle-minder is a great idea! I do lose needles once in awhile, so probably do need one. Your leaf embroidery with different stitches is really pretty!

  8. Debbie- Dabble
    |

    Linda,
    Love these amazing stitches!! If I ever pick up embroidery again, I will definitely try these out!! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your words of encouragement as I continue my journey toward a healthier lifestyle!
    Hugs,
    Deb

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