What is the best thread and needle to use for basting?
My tailoring teacher Ginny Winters always recommended basting with silk thread to be the best for a number of reasons. It glides through the fabric which is why it is used for tacking and basting in tailoring and the best part is the thread doesn’t make any marks in the fabric after it’s taken out. A crewel #10 is the best needle to use as it’s small and thin and makes smaller holes which have a better chance to close up after the thread is taken out. If there is a hole in your fabric caused by your needle or pleating threads, don’t fret as washing and drying will close up those unwanted needle holes. Be careful about putting this needle in your mouth to hold it as it’s so tiny you might forget about having it there – advice comes from experience!
