There is no evidence of rust, but I suspect that is the cause. Any suggestions on the best way to extract it with minimum damage?
Thanks to everyone for their thoughtful comments. I went with the first option - pliers - and it worked! There was definite rust on the needle where it went through the seams.
There is no evident rust on the fabrics. This is a Christmas wall quilt so if any rust appears, I'll just applique a holly berry or something else on it!
I haven't heard of this happening before - I think the only thing to do is try to pull it out with pliers or something like that - maybe have one person try to keep pressure on the fabric to keep it still? I really have not had experience with that in my years of hand quilting
ReplyDeleteI haven’t had this happen to me so these are unproven suggestions. Can you try to carefully break/snap the needle at the mid point where it is in the fabric. I’m thinking it might be easier to remove if it was in half. Another idea, only if you were intending on washing the quilt when it was finished, i googled how to get a rusty needle out of fabric and it said lemon juice breaks up rust. Maybe put a drop or two where the needle is and let it set for an hour or so before trying to move it.
ReplyDeleteMy thought was a drop of vinegar which won't hurt the fabric but as Lin says lemon juice is probably a good choice.
ReplyDeleteI would probably get the wire cutters and cut that needle right at the fabric. Then pull it out. Vinegar will remove rust but it might seep into the fabric. Brush any rust away before you soak anything.
ReplyDeleteI don't have any suggestions to offer, Libby. I suppose this should be a lesson to those of us who hand quilt. Good luck with whichever method you choose for removal of that needle!
ReplyDeleteMy concern is that whatever you use, if rust is the reason the needle isn't coming out, there would be a rust stain on your fabric. The stain wouldn't be very bad on the darker green but it would show up on the lighter fabric. Do you have any of the lighter fabric left in your stash to replace that piece in case there is a stain? The lemon juice mentioned Lin McQ would also bleach the stain if it happened. I am so curious to find out what you do. Please let me know wo I can learn too.
ReplyDeleteI'd be concerned the lemon juice might stain or bleach the fabric. Vinegar sounds safer, but maybe you have some scraps to test the lemon juice on.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it all worked out!
ReplyDeleteI won't offer any suggestions since you've already removed the needle. I never leave needles in project while in storage. My mother did this and I did find a project in her stash that the needle rusted and extended into the fabric. The project was not stored in a plastic bag though but why take a chance? Happy stitching!
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