Needle Size / Thread Size / Stitches Per Inch

[appealtoheaven]

I apologize if this has been posted already but I have a question about needle sizes in relation to thread sizes.

I ordered some unwaxed 1 mil linen thread and am wondering about the corresponding needle size that I should be using. I will be handsewing small items (wallets, pouches, etc.) at 6 stiches per inch. What sized needle should I be looking at?

I'm thinking a size 2 harness needle from C.S. Osborne but I wanted to check before I ordered them.

Also, is there a chart or other reference material that exists with this information?

Thanks!

[dakotawolf]

Good questions, I would like to know too.

[Matt S]

Use the smallest needles, the eye of which you can fit your thread. If you taper the ends of the thread by scraping with a knife this can be surprisingly small. I use the smallest harness needle, which is James Joyce no.4 -- even with relatively heavy threads. If Osborne no.2 is the same as JJ no.2 those will do well for starting, that's what I started with using 18/3 linen thread.