I decided to learn how to do a spiral rope (being inspired by the necklace on the front of Bead 9)
I have bought a beadalon big eye needle - as this was recommended by the lady in a local craft shop.
However, I am wondering whether there is something wrong with it - it doesnt look like a needle but two piece of thin wire joined at one end to give a point. (a bit like VERY thin tweezers is the best description ).I was expecting it to be more like a real needle (One piece of steel with a very large hole)
Should it look like thin tweezers? Or is it broken?

Thanks

Anne

anne these are ideal for threading pearls but i found they were a real pain when seedbeading-if this is your 1st attempt use a size 8or 6 bead for the core and try a size 10 beading needle-if you are using tiny beads then a 12 or 13 will be best i like the long length bu some people manage with the short

thanks Pollie - I will have to get some more needles. I did try a thin embroidery needle to start with but soon realised that was no good - hence the purchase of the beadalon one.
Thanks for the tip on the bead size also
Anne

Anne, a Big Eye needle should be joined at both ends - so it's like a needle but it's all hole iyswim.
I wouldn't use one for beadweaving though, you'd be better off as Pollie says with a beading needle.
Big Eyes are good for things like threading ribbon through beadwork, where you need to get through a small gap but the material you're threading into the needle is quite wide. Also for threading bigger beads onto something like elastic that won't go through an ordinary beading needle.
Good luck with your spiral!

Thanks Lynn
Sounds like the needle I was sold was broken.
Luckily it wasnt too expensive!
And at least I now know what it should be used for .

Anne

sorry hon i have got 2 mixed up the one i was thinking of had a very fine wire twisted around with a loop(eye) at the top-the one lynn is talking about is much stronger